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The best way to store firewood is outdoors and away from your home, shed, or garage. Stacking wood against your house can be a fire hazard and attract unwanted pests. Store your firewood under a shelter where it's protected from rain and snow but still exposed to sunlight and open air. You can lay a tarp on top to help keep moisture out.

Yes, a faulty or broken light switch can be a serious fire hazard. Malfunctioning switches, often due to loose connections, exposed wiring, or overheating, can cause sparking or arcing. If you hear a crackling, popping, or hissing sound when you use the switch, it indicates live electricity arcing inside, which is a significant hazard that can ignite nearby flammable materials. If you suspect your light switch is faulty, turn off the power to that circuit at the breaker and contact a qualified electrician to remedy the issue.

According to the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA), the leading cause of house fires is cooking accidents, followed by fires started by heating equipment. Electrical issues are the third most common cause of house fires. The best way to keep your home protected is to use caution when cooking and never leave a stove or oven unattended while in use. You can also keep up with chimney cleaning and avoid using space heaters to reduce the risk.

Home insurance prices depend on where you live and the individual insurance company's policies. Some insurers charge a flat fee for fireplaces or wood-burning stoves, which is often a few hundred dollars per year. Other insurers base this fee on a percentage of your annual premium. You may want to check your current or prospective policy before beginning this project.