The most obvious advice for avoiding kitchen fires is dont ever use your kitchen for anything.

But should taht tip prove unworkable, a good starting point is never leaving a lit stove unattended.

Even if youre slow-cooking soup over a low heat, keep an eye on it.

Keep flammable thingsdishtowels, decorations, etc.away from heating elements.

Keep appliances clean so built up grease or crumbs dont cause a sudden flare up.

Dont cook when youre drunk, sleepy, or high on PCP.

Dont store anything in your oven, and check that its empty before you turn it on.

But you also need to clean the dryer vent and exhaust duct at least once a year.

Clean behind the machine too, and dont dry anything that might prove flammable.

You want to put them somewhere where theyll give you enough warning, Jurewich says.

The basic rule-of-thumb: one on every level of your home and in each bedroom and hallway.

But each home is different, so can call your local fire department for advice.

You also have to maintain your smoke detectors.

Dont wait for the annoying low-battery chirp to put in a new Duracell.

Also, check that your smoke detectors are detecting every so often with the test buttonthats what its for.

Not maintaining your wiring

Another easily preventable cause of house fires is faulty wiring.

But its not just the in the walls wiring that can causes conflagrations.

Use a power strip with a built in surge protector.

Keep special eye out for your extension cords.

If those things get compressed, or pinched in a doorway, theyre seriously compromised.

You know those old, brown extension cords we grew up with?

Those are for shit.

Get rid of those.

Using unsafe appliances

Older, unmaintained appliances are another potential source of house fires.

Read and follow the manufacturers instructions for all your home appliances and have them regularly served or replaced.

You know what appliance causes a lot of fires that no one thinks about?

Jurewich said, The fart fan in the bathroom.

That thing gets a lot of use, and usually doesnt get any maintenance.

This is particularly important if you have childrena practiced drill can prevent panic.

Check out theNational Fire Protection Associations guidelinesfor in depth info on planning your fire escape.