10 Surprising Fire Hazards That Could Be Lurking in Your Home

Nobody wants a fire in their home, especially when they are so often preventable. While most people may know to be careful when cooking and the risks associated with candles and smoking, there are actually quite a few other fire hazards in homes that people pay less attention to. To be sure that your home is safe from fire, you should be aware of these 10 hazards and what you can do to prevent them.

The first thing you need to be aware of is the risks associated with space heaters. Space heaters are a great way to keep warm if you don’t have a central heating and cooling system, or if you want to heat a specific area. However, space heaters need to be kept a few feet away from anything flammable, like clothing or drapes, if you want to prevent a fire.

Next, you need to be careful about electrical fires. These fires can be caused by an overloaded circuit, an overheated appliance, or other issues. Make sure to replace any damaged cords and do not overload your devices.

Third, you should be mindful of other forms of heating equipment. Make sure to keep anything that can catch fire away from heating equipment, and turn it off when leaving a room. This includes heating pads, hot plates, and fireplaces.

Fourth, make sure that your stove is clean. If your stove is covered in grease or grime, it is more prone to catching fire. As part of your routine cleaning, wipe it down frequently and deep clean it a few times a month as well.

Fifth, pay attention to your washer and dryer. Poorly maintained washers and dryers can also cause fires, so make sure to clean these appliances, that the air exhaust vent pipe is not obstructed, and do not overload the machines.

Sixth, don’t overlook the risks of dryer lint. Built up lint can easily catch fire, and can then spread and ignite the vent pipe. Make sure to clean the lint trap regularly, especially if you have pets that shed.

Seventh, be cautious with sawdust that has been created from DIY projects. Since sawdust is highly flammable, make sure to dispose of it once it is created.

Eighth, pay attention to laptops and other electronics. If these are allowed to overheat while in contact with something like clothes or a bedspread, a fire may happen. Make sure to check these devices and address any issues with an old device.

Ninth, be mindful of the smoke detectors in your home. If there is a problem with your smoke detector and it does not go off during a fire, you are at great risk. Make sure to check them regularly and change the battery when needed.

Finally, you may want to consider getting automatic sprinklers installed. This is an extra safeguard against fires, and if you do so make sure they are not overly sensitive.

By being aware of these 10 fire hazards, you can be sure that you are taking all the necessary precautions to keep your home safe from fire. Remember to be cautious, replace damaged cords, clean your appliances, and make sure your smoke detectors are working. Taking these steps can save your home from a devastating fire and help to keep you and your loved ones safe.