House fires are a common threat and affect millions of Americans every year.  The threat of house fires increases substantially over the holiday season due to the dry air and the amount of electricity being used.  Here are just a couple of the most important holiday fire prevention tips to keep you and your family safe.

Another main cause of house fires during the holidays comes from the cords you run to power all the lights.  Good holiday fire prevention techniques require you to neatly route and bundle cords and wires rather than bunching them all up and having them laying all over the carpet or rugs.  Don't overload one breaker or plug too many cords into one extension cord or outlet.

Be very careful with any external heaters you plan on using.  These space heaters are a big fire hazard as well.  Make sure there are no flammable or combustible materials around the space heaters.  Also keep your fireplaces and the flues cleaned annually.

Good holiday prevention for the home is being prepared just in case of a fire.  Route any and all escapes and teach your children how to execute the plan if they see a fire prevalent.  Practice using these escape routes periodically.

Aside from teaching your children what to do when there is a fire, it is just as important to teach them fire prevention.  A good percentage of household fires result as product of kids playing with matches.  Teach them how dangerous fire can be.

Smoking is one the main causes of household fires.  If you have to smoke, do it in a safe place away from furniture and don't ash in garbage cans.  Smoking carelessly is the leading cause of deaths in house fires.  A lot of them result because they will light there cigarette and then fall asleep.  So do not smoke in bed!

Holiday fire prevention should be taught to everyone.  Since most fires are caused by accidents and carelessness, being knowledgeable about what to do and what not to do may save your life.