Our homes are the center of our lives —where we feel safe and where we get to relax and enjoy ourselves with our loved ones. But did you know that almost 77 percent of civilian fire deaths and nearly three-quarters (73%) of all reported injuries are caused by home fires? It goes to show more fires occur in residential homes than anywhere else.

Knowing a few fire safety hazards can help families prevent and effectively respond to the top hazards at home. Below we'll share some top fire hazards in today's homes, as well as tips and fire safety facts to keep your family and property out of harm's way.

Cooking

The leading cause of home fires and fire injuries, most kitchen fires result from oil or grease (the fastest-spreading and most destructive type of fire).

Always keep an eye on stovetops, ovens, and other cooking appliances
Do not place flammable materials too close to heat
Properly dispose of hot materials
Do not leave heat-generating appliances on after cooking

Heating Appliance

And while you might have an impression that most kitchen fires are due to someone leaving the stove or oven on for too long, appliance fires are now alarmingly common. According to the CPSC, out of 69,000 appliance fires from 2002 to 2009, 50% were linked to an electrical, mechanical, or design flaw. More than 18 million appliance units have been recalled in the past five years for defects that could cause a fire, with almost half of the recalled units being dishwashers. This high volume of recalls is a reminder of how important it is to register our purchases with manufacturers (or check for recalls at www.recalls.gov) to be able to receive notices for product recalls. To minimize the risk for appliance fires, know which circuit breaker cuts power to each unit. Do not run appliances when away from home, and inspect cords regularly and unplug when not in use if possible.

Refrigerator - check that the light bulb goes off when the door is opened by testing the switch.
Dishwasher - always check the heating coils for items that may have fallen from the racks, and call for a repair if the rinse-aid dispenser needs constant refilling.
Toaster - don't toast anything that does not easily fit in the slot.
Microwave - don't store anything in the microwave.

Power Strips

Multiple outlet power strips (surge protectors, temporary power taps, plug strips, etc.) are commonly used in homes. These are designed for low power loads such as computers and similar electronics. In the event that high-current devices such as space heaters, microwaves, toasters, ovens, and pumps are plugged into a power strip, overloading can occur, resulting in tripped breakers or even electrical fires due to overheating. Below are some tips from ETA SAFETY:

Power strips must be listed by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL), with a logo such as "CSA" or "UL" commonly found on the data plate.
Multiple power strips must not be "daisy-chained" or used with extension cords.
Do not exceed the load (ampacity) rating of the power strip. Most 120-volt power strips are rated at a maximum cord and plug load of 12 amps. Most appliances and lab equipment list the wattage and voltage on the data plate.
High current equipment such as space heaters, microwaves, refrigerators, ovens, pumps, and furnaces should be plugged directly into a wall outlet.
If a power strip is damaged or shows evidence of overheating, take it out of service immediately.

Smoking

This should come as no surprise. Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of fire-related deaths worldwide. Fallen cigarettes and embers can smolder undetected for hours, producing smoke with poison. Most fire casualties are caused by smoke inhalation, not the flame itself, and most of the time are rendered unconscious before they have a chance to wake.

Please do not smoke indoors, especially in bedrooms.
Never leave cigarettes unattended in an ashtray.
Extinguish cigarettes in water before throwing them in the bin.
Place sand-filled cans where people frequently smoke
Store cigarettes, lighters, or matches out of sight and reach of children (18-month-olds have started fires with lighters).

Candles

Like cigarettes, most fires caused by candles start in the bedroom after being left lit and unattended (or when someone falls asleep).

Do not place lit candles near flammable items like curtains.
Do not burn candles in spots where children or pets could knock them over.
Use sturdy candle holders that are also big enough to collect dripping wax.
Do not leave children or pets alone with lit candles.
Extinguish candles once they're 2 inches from the base, and trim your candle wicks down to 6.5mm.
During power outages, hold your candle well away from you, and be wary of combustibles that may be ahead.
Never use a candle to help see equipment with fuel.

Now think about the statistic previously mentioned: nearly three-quarters (73%) of all reported injuries are caused by home fires. Go and check your smoke alarms and make sure they are all working properly. Visit the National Fire Protection Association's website to learn more about fire alarms and how to keep yours functioning properly. Make sure to prepare yourself and your family with an escape plan in the event a fire gets out of control.