Working smoke alarms reduce your risk of dying in a home fire by roughly 50%. Test your alarms monthly, replace batteries at least once a year, and replace the entire unit every 10 years. If you hear that chirping sound, change the battery immediately — do not ignore it.

Candles are responsible for thousands of house fires annually, most often in bedrooms and living rooms. Never leave a burning candle unattended, keep them away from anything flammable, and consider switching to battery-operated flameless candles for a safer alternative.