11 Items in Your Home That Could Be Fire Hazards

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Around our homes, there are many things that seem innocent, but are in fact serious fire risks. We don’t think about them until something goes wrong, but knowing what could be a problem is the first step in prevention. We can easily forget about items we use everyday that can be dangerous if not handled properly or left unchecked.

Identifying these hazards can keep your home and loved ones safe if you take a little time to do so. So let’s take a look at those common household items that could have a fiery potential hiding inside them.

Light Bulbs

Overheating is caused by using a light bulb with too high of a wattage for a fixture. Exceeding the recommended wattage of most light fixtures can cause the fixture to overheat and even start a fire. Before installing new bulbs, always check the rating on your fixtures.

Overloaded Power Strips

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We may have had that problem: too many devices, not enough outlets. Although a temporary measure, it can cause a power strip to overheat, catching fire. It’s also a good idea to check the capacity of your power strips and never daisy chain multiple strips together. Unplug items that aren’t in use, particularly high wattage devices, such as space heaters and hair dryers and spread out your electrical load.

Lint in the Dryer

It’s a fire hazard not to regularly clean out the dryer lint trap, which may not seem like much, but a pile of lint certainly is. Besides the fact that it is highly flammable, lint will build up in your dryer or exhaust vent and when it does, it can ignite from the heat. It’s extremely important you remove the lint filter after every load and check the dryer vent occasionally to keep it free from obstruction.

Frayed Electrical Cords

And it’s easy to ignore that old extension cord with frayed edges, but damaged cords are ticking time bombs. If you have exposed wires and they’re close to flammable materials, they can spark. Check your cords frequently and wherever possible replace any that you see have started to fray. Also, avoid running cords under carpets or rugs, as they will heat up.

Fireplaces and Chimneys

They can create a cozy feel to a room, but a fireplace is also a fire hazard if you don’t maintain it. A dangerous fire can ignite creosote build up in chimneys. Annual chimney cleaning and a sturdy fireplace screen to catch those errant sparks will help keep you and your home safe.

Candles

According to the National Fire protection Association, candles are one of the most common causes of house fires, causing about 4% of reported house fires. Even though they add warmth and cozy ambience to any room. An unattended candle can make for a relaxing evening gone frantic. Candles must be away from curtains, and they shouldn’t burn while you’re not home.

Clutter

Papers, boxes or other flammable materials create lots of fuel for the fire, and clutter can make a disaster all the worse. In addition, clutter can clog your escape routes in case of a fire making it hard to escape to safety. Reducing your risk involves keeping your home organized and free of excess clutter around heat sources.

Christmas Trees

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Christmas trees are a hidden fire hazard, especially if they are dried out, during the holiday season. Add in hot lights or overloaded outlets and you’ve got a recipe for trouble. Keep your tree fresh by watering it often and don’t use lights that are too hot. After the holidays, don’t let the tree become a fire hazard by throwing it away.

Portable Heaters

During cold months, space heaters can be lifesavers, but they’re also a leading cause of house fires, as the American Red Cross reports. Several models will easily tip over or be placed too close to flammable materials. Heaters should be kept at least three feet away from anything that can burn and should be turned off when you leave the room. Additional protection may be with models that have automatic shut off features.

Cooking Equipment

Fire hazards are common in the kitchen. If you leave a pot on the stove unattended, grease builds up in the oven, or you place too many flammable things, like dish towels near burners, disaster can happen. Anything cooking should be closely watched, and there should always be a fire extinguisher handy just in case something goes wrong.

Old Appliances

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Aging appliances like your trusty old toaster or coffee maker can be serious fire risks. Overheating or electrical malfunctions can arise from wear out components, faulty wiring, and obsolete design. Even if an appliance does not seem worn out, if it is old, it may be time to replace it with a newer safer version.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.