Each year, fire claims the lives of 4,000 Americans and injures more than 25,000. Bedroom areas are a common area of fire origin according to the US Fire Administration. Nearly 1,000 lives are lost to fires that start in bedrooms. Many of these fires are caused by misuse or poor maintenance of electrical devices, such as overloading extension cords or using portable space heaters too close to combustibles. Children who play with matches and lighters, and careless smoking among adults cause many other bedroom fires.

Children of all ages set over 100,000 fires annually. Children playing with fire set over 30% of fires that kill children. Every year over 800 children, nine years of age and younger, die in home fires. Children usually play with fire (lighters, matches and other ignitables) in bedrooms, in closets, and under beds. These are "secret" places where there are a lot of things that catch fire easily.

Keep matches and lighters locked up and away from children.

Check under beds and in closets for burnt matches, evidence your child may be playing with matches.

Teach your child that fire is a tool, not a toy.

Bedrooms are the most common rooms in the home where electrical fires start. Electrical fires are a special concern during winter months with increases in lighting, heating, and appliance use.

Do not trap electric cords against walls or beneath carpets/rugs where heat can build up. Take extra care when using portable heaters.

Keep bedding, clothes, curtains and other combustible items at least three feet away from space heaters.

Only use lab-approved, lamps, nightlights, electric blankets, and other electrical devices. When buying electrical appliances look for products which meet the Underwriter's Laboratory (UL) standard for safety.

Check to make sure the electrical cords are not frayed.

The U. S. Fire Administration reports that careless smoking is the leading cause of fire deaths. Never smoke in bed! NEVER!