13 Unexpected Household Items That Are Actually Fire Hazards

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Most of us think of fire hazards at home as candles left unattended or faulty wiring but there are everyday household items that can be a surprise risk. You may even have these seemingly harmless objects lurking right under your nose, just waiting to turn a cosy night in into a close call with disaster. Knowing where the risks are is the first step to prevention.

This article will highlight some items around the home that could put you in danger of a fire if you’re not careful.

Old Newspapers and Magazines

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Over time, it’s easy to let old magazines and newspapers pile up in a corner, or near a heat source like a radiator. Paper products are incredibly flammable, and will act as kindling should a fire start nearby. In order to minimize the risk, dispose of or recycle these piles regularly.

Heating Pads and Electric Blankets

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Electric blankets and heating pads are great to keep warm, but if left on too long or with an old or worn one, they can get too hot and start a fire. Always follow the manufacturer’s directions and never use them for long periods.

Toaster Crumbs

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Crumbs build up at the bottom of your toaster over time and can get to the point where they become a fire hazard if you don’t clean them out. Make sure the crumb tray is cleaned out regularly, because these tiny crumbs can ignite the next time you make toast.

Scented Candles

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Although candles make for relaxing ambiance, if left unchecked they become very dangerous. If placed on unstable surfaces, the flame can catch on nearby items such as curtains, or tip over. Blow them out whenever you leave a room.

Laptop on the Bed

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Don’t want to get back to work? It’s tempting to stay in bed, and work on your laptop, but laptops will overheat when placed on soft surfaces like blankets and pillows. And with nowhere for the heat to escape the device could get hot enough to catch fire. There’s nothing better than using your laptop on a hard, flat surface.

Dryer Lint

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Everybody knows you’re supposed to empty the lint trap in your dryer, but the lint that can build behind and around your dryer can be serious business. Lint is very flammable, and if it builds up in dryer vents or hoses, it’s just waiting for a spark from the heat produced by your dryer to ignite.

Extension Cords

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We’ve all done it – plugged too many things into too few extension cords. Overloading an extension cord is convenient, but can cause the cord to overheat and even spark a fire. They were supposed to be only temporary, not a long-term solution for powering multiple electronics.

Portable Heaters

Portable Heaters
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Portable heaters are convenient, especially during colder months, but they can also be incredibly dangerous if left too close to flammable materials like curtains or furniture. Always keep them at a safe distance from anything that could catch fire and never leave them running unattended.

Stacks of Old Bills or Mail

Clutter Culprits Hiding in Your Living Room
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Just like old newspapers, piles of old mail or bills can easily catch fire if exposed to a spark or flame. Keep paper clutter under control especially near open flames or appliances that generate heat.

Bathroom Fans

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Bathroom exhaust fans are often overlooked, but they can overheat if they accumulate dust or lint over time. This buildup can cause the fan motor to overheat and catch fire. Clean your bathroom fans regularly to avoid this hazard.

Cooking Oils Left Near Heat

Olive Oil Being Poured on Fresh Carrots
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It is not safe to leave bottles of cooking oil near the stovetop and other heats sources. Although it may be handy to have the oil just within reach, it is also dangerous because, due to the heat that comes from the stove, the oil can easily catch fire. When using oils for cooking ensure that they are kept in a cool place free from any source of heat.

Dust Bunnies Near Outlets

Woman Dusting the Television
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Dust might appear to be quite harmless, it in fact becomes explosive if the dust accumulates around switches, outlets, or behind appliances. Dusting these areas often can go a long way to ensuring that a fire hazard is not passed unnoticed.

Old Appliances

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That vintage toaster or antique space heater might have sentimental value, but old appliances are often not built with the same safety features as modern ones. Worn-out wires, outdated materials, and faulty parts can make them a serious fire risk. It’s better to part with them and invest in safer, more reliable alternatives.

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

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