The South Dakota Fire Marshal is asking state residents to be aware of home fire hazards during National Fire Protection Week, Sunday through Saturday, Oct. 5 -11.

Cooking, heating, electrical and smoking materials are the leading causes of home fires.

"For many of us, our home is our safe haven. It's where we spend our time, and it's important to make it safe - for ourselves and for our families," Al Christie said. "Nearly 80 percent of all fire deaths happen in the home. Please, take the time to think about the fire hazards in your home and the prevention efforts you can make."

Cooking

* When cooking, stay in the kitchen if you are frying, grilling or broiling food. Being in the vicinity gives you time to react before a cooking fire gets out of control.

* Forty percent of home fires start in the kitchen.

Heating

* Make sure flammable items such as paper, bedding and furniture are kept at least three feet away from heating equipment.

* Nearly half of all heating fires happen in December, January and February.

Electrical

* Use extension cords only for temporary wiring.

* Replace cracked and damaged electrical cords.

Smoking

* If you smoke, stay awake until you've properly extinguished your smoking material.

* Smoking materials are the leading cause of fire deaths in the U.S.

For more information on National Fire Prevention Week, go to www.nfpa.org