[header] How to prevent household appliance fires [title] Immediately fix appliances or lamps that sputter or spark in any way or give you a shock when operated. [title] Keep appliances away from wet areas, especially in the kitchen, bathroom, basement, and garage. [title] If an appliance has a three-prong plug, never force it into a two-prong outlet or extension cord. 
[step] Also, be wary of torn/significantly beat up extension cords. [title] Check your wiring on a regular basis.