The National Fire Protection Association estimates that approximately 80 percent of all U.S. fire deaths occur in the home. Because many people use fireplaces and space heaters in the winter, the potential for an accidental blaze increases. Here are some reminders to help you stay safe.

• Be sure your smoke detector is working and you have a fire extinguisher in your home. 

• Beware of holiday candles. Be sure the flame is kept away from decorations, including the decorations surrounding the candle itself. 
• Trim the wick often and make sure the candle is burning evenly. 
• Never place candles near windows or exits where there is a draft. 
• Never leave a lit candle unattended in an empty room.
• Don't leave children unattended in a room with a lit candle. 
• Never use candles to decorate a tree. 
• Never use lit candles at a party.
• Candles with flowers and other objects embedded in the wax can catch fire easily. Use them only for decorative purposes.

• Keep space heaters away from curtains and bedding.  Better yet, try not to use them at all  in the bedroom. 
• Remember to turn off space heaters before leaving home or going to sleep.

• Never burn paper or pine boughs in the fireplace because they can float out of the chimney and ignite a neighboring home. 
• Never burn wrapping paper in the fireplace because it can cause a flash fire by igniting too rapidly and burning too intensely. 
• Take care when using "fire salts" which produce colored flames when thrown on wood fires, and keep them away from children. They contain heavy metals that can cause intense gastrointestinal irritation and vomiting if eaten. 

• Create a family disaster plan that includes a home escape plan and a designated meeting place in case an evacuation is necessary.