According to the National Fire Protection Association, more home electrical fires happen during the winter months than any other season, with over half of the 45,000 average annual fires happening between December and February. These fires are often caused by things like damaged wiring, space heaters, dryer fans, overloaded outfits and both indoor and outdoor holiday decorations. October is National Fire Prevention Month, and it's the perfect time to evaluate your home's systems and appliances to ensure you aren't dealing with unnecessary fire risk as temperatures drop. In addition to taking the precautions proposed by the National Emergency Management Association (NEMA) – which you see in the slideshow above – you should also install reliable systems in your home to protect against fire risk. Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms should ideally be installed on each floor of the home – including the basement – as well as in every bedroom. You should test your alarms twice a year and replace them entirely at least every ten years. You should also have a working fire extinguisher on each level of the home and in the garage, and know how to use it. An easy way to remember the steps to use a fire extinguisher is with the P.A.S.S. acronym, which First Alert explains as: |

• Pull: Pull out the small pin that prevents the extinguisher from discharging.
• Aim: Aim the nozzle of the fire extinguisher at the base of the fire.
• Squeeze: Squeeze the extinguisher's trigger slowly and evenly.
• Sweep: Sweep the fire extinguisher from side to side to cover all areas affected by the fire.

First Alert also advises that prior to discharging a fire extinguisher you take some safety precautions. If the fire is too big or out of control, do not risk your safety by trying to put it out. You should instead evacuate the home and call emergency services. You should also make sure the nozzle of the extinguisher is pointed away from you while in use, and that you keep your back toward a clear exit so you can flee if the situation becomes too dangerous. It's also imperative to plan and practice an evacuation plan for those in your home. This should include knowing at least two ways out of each room; having an outside meeting place (far enough away from the home that you're out of danger from the fire); teaching your children how to escape on their own in case you are unable to reach them; and remembering to close doors behind you as you evacuate the home to help contain the fire.

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