NU Online News Service, March 4, 12:08 p.m. EDT

Three major factors leading to home fires are cooking, candles and extension cords, according to an insurance company that has launched an interactive Web page to publicize those perils.

Foremost Insurance, based in Caledonia, Mich., said it created the page after asking their claim adjusters what one thing they thought customers should be told about preventing a fire.

Besides careless cooking, burning candles and misuse of extension cords, fire extinguishers and smoke detectors also topped the list as ignored prevention items, Foremost said.

"It's so important to make people aware of these simple but taken-for-granted causes of fire," said Dennis Squibb, assistant vice president, Specialty Claims and Farmers CAT Response. "Our adjusters unfortunately see devastating fire losses and damage that didn't have to happen. Their advice is worth sharing."

The Web page shows a picture of a kitchen with a smoking, unattended pot on the stove, a dripping extension cord, and a burning candle. Also in the frame are a smoke detector and a fire extinguisher.

Links on cooking, fire extinguishers, candles, extension cords and smoke detectors pop up text on those topics.

"It's a memorable and visual way to help raise awareness and remind homeowners to avoid these common mistakes," said Mr. Squibb.

In addition to its main online site (www.Foremost.com), Foremost has a Facebook page (www.Facebook.com/foremostinsurance) and a Twitter page (www.Twitter.com/foremost).

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