Watch out for these common fire hazards in your home

Your home should be your happy place, but oftentimes there are numerous fire hazards hiding in plain sight. In 2017, residential fires across the United States caused $23 billion worth of damages and resulted in more than 3,000 deaths.

The good news is you can protect your home and loved ones from house fires by planning ahead and knowing where to look for potential fire hazards in your home. And, of course, by making sure all smoke detectors and fire alarms are functioning properly.

Kitchen

Over 50 percent of residential fires originate in the kitchen. The best way to prevent kitchen fires is to pay attention while cooking.

DO:

• Clean your oven, stovetop, microwave and toaster regularly – baked-on residue or grease will increase the risk of fires

• Keep a fire extinguisher nearby

• Cover fires that start in pots or pans with a lid to help smother the flames

• Replace old or broken dishwashers with updated models

DON’T:

• Leave the kitchen while the stove or oven is in use

• Block hood vents

• Throw water on grease fires

• Keep kitchen rags or towels near electrical appliances

• Microwave materials that are not microwave-safe (i.e. aluminum foil, Styrofoam and plastics)

   

Laundry

Dryers present a common fire hazard in the home that is often overlooked. In fact, according to the Red Cross, dryers are responsible 9 out of 10 appliance fires.

DO:

• Habitually clean your dryer’s lint screen (ideally after each use)

• Replace old or broken dryers with newer, safer models

• Check and clean the hose connection at the back of your dryer at least once a year

DON’T:

• Run the dryer when you’re not home – if the dryer overheats and you’re not there to turn it off, it is more likely to catch fire

   

Heating equipment

You regularly check your home’s fireplace or chimney, but what about other heating systems? Gas generators, space heaters and candles all pose the risk of catching fire if not properly attended.

DO:

• Get your fireplace, chimney, furnace and water heater inspected and cleaned by a professional once a year – ideally before the winter season begins

• Use a metal or glass fireplace screen to catch any embers or sparks that might escape

• Store flammable items (such as curtains, blankets and Christmas Trees) at least three feet away from any heat source

• Shut off and unplug space heaters before you leave

DON’T:

• Leave fires, burning candles or open flames unattended – if it’s still smoldering, it’s still a fire hazard

• Keep portable gas generators inside or near a window – this will also help prevent the inhalation of toxic carbon monoxide

   

Bedroom & living room

Bedroom and living room fires account for 73 percent of house fire fatalities. Usually bedrooms and living rooms are swathed in fabrics, including bedding, clothing, drapes and blankets; while none of these pose an inherent risk, they become fire hazards when they come in contact with nearby electronics and plugged-in appliances.

DO:

• Check that your mattress adheres to the Federal Mattress Flammability Standard code

• Install smoke alarms in each bedroom

• Create a fire escape plan for each member of your family

• Install auto-shutoff outlets for the electronics you use most often (TVs, phone chargers, hair styling tools)

• Replace older, more flammable CFL lightbulbs with low-heat LEDs (Bonus: LEDs are also more energy-efficient!)

DON’T:

• Fall asleep with lit candles nearby

• Smoke cigarettes indoors

• Overload extension cords or power strips with too many plugs

   

Outdoor fire hazards

Fire hazards aren’t just inside your home, so now it’s time to check your backyard. Grills, barbeques, firepits and outdoor lighting are all potential fire hazards if not maintained properly.

DO:

• Regularly clean grills and BBQ equipment before and after use

• Clear ashes and debris from firepits regularly

• Store gas, kerosene and other flammable liquids in tightly sealed containers at a safe distance away from heating sources

DON’T:

• Place grills directly against your house or underneath tree branches – they should be at least 10 feet away from any structure

• Use indoor lighting (such as string lights) outdoors

• Leave old newspapers in warm, damp places – they can actually self-combust!

Related Articles

• Home Security Tips
• Digital Safety Tips
• Pet Safety Tips