House fires can start from simple, everyday householdactivities, especially during the summer months when barbecues andfire pits are lit up every night, causing millions of dollars ininsured losses. In honor of National Safety Month, Servpro Industriesoffers a few safety tips to keep summer activities fun andsafe.

“While most homeowners take at least the basic steps to protectagainst a fire, there are fire sources in homes that are frequentlyoverlooked,” says Rick Isaacson, executive vice president ofServpro. “For National Safety Month, we want to shine a spotlighton some of the causes of home fires associated with the comingsummer season.”

Click “next” to see some common causes of household fires, andtips to prevent a catastrophe from happening.

Clothes Dryers

These everyday appliances are responsible for approximately15,500 home fires and an average of 10 deaths each year, resultingin over $84.4 million in damage, according to the U.S. ConsumerProduct Safety Commission (CPSC). With warmer weather causing dirtylaundry to pile up even faster, help prevent dryer fires by:

1. Controlling lint buildup on the lint filter,the back of the machine and in the venting system.

2. Replacing plastic or vinyl vent hoses with arigid or flexible metal venting system.

3. Drying only items that are approved and safeto be put in a dryer (not foam-backed rugs or athletic shoes).

Fire Pits

Fire pits need to be handled with caution, especially sincethey're often used in social settings where it's easy to neglecttaking care of the flames. Underwriter's Laboratories (UL)recommends keeping the glow confined by:

1. Keeping these fireplaces at least 10 feet from anystructure or flammable items.

2. Placing the unit on a solid surface, in anopen area, away from overhanging trees or rooflines.

3. Never leaving the fireplace unattended. Keepa fire extinguisher close at hand, avoid using lighter fluid tostart or restart the fire and ensure any embers are completelyextinguished before going inside.

Gas Grills

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA),fire departments in the U.S. respond to an average of 8,200grilling-related fires per year. Five out of six grill firesinvolved gas grills. Outdoor chefs, keep these tips in mind:

1. Position the grill outside, at a safedistance from the house. Never grill inside a garage or enclosedporch or under a breezeway, awning, carport or overhang that mightcatch fire.

2. Check the grill's propane hoses for cracksand brittleness then trickle soapy water over the hoses andfittings. Look for bubbles that would indicate a propane leak, andaddress the problem before using the grill again.

3. Never light a gas grill with the lid closed.Keep a spray bottle filled with water handy to suppress flare-upsand a fire extinguisher close by for emergencies.