By Leaving a curling iron on or forgetting to blow out a candle are obvious no-nos when it comes to fire safety. But did you know that other items in your home might actually be hidden fire hazards? Everyday things like lint or space heaters are immediately put into the flammable category, the same goes for your yard. To shed more light on what’s considered hazardous, Woman’s World turned to the experts. Keep reading to discover what hidden fire hazards lurking in your home.
Hidden fire hazards at home
The top three causes of house fires in the United States are cooking, heating equipment and electrical malfunction, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). However, everyday household items or poor safety habits can also spark a fire.
Lint build-up in the dryer
If you’re doing laundry, you should always clean the lint trap in the dryer after every load. “Lint build-up in your dryer vent or filter is super flammable and can ignite when your dryer gets hot,” says Shantae Duckworth, professional organizer and founder of Shantaeize Your Space. “Make it a habit to clean the lint trap after every use and check the vent regularly.”
Overloaded power strips
This is all too common, especially if you work out of a home office or use a lot of power. Duckworth says, “Plugging too many devices into one strip or using the wrong type for high-power appliances (like space heaters) can cause overheating.” Instead, stick to one major appliance per power strip and purchase surge protectors that are certified for safe usage.
Space heaters
Who doesn’t want extra warmth during the colder months? Space heaters are the perfect personal solution, but they require extra care when used. “Keep space heaters at least three feet away from flammable materials (beds, curtains, etc.), and plug them directly into the wall,” says Courtney Klosterman, home insights expert at Hippo. Anything flammable will catch fire if it’s near a space heater, which is also why Klosterman says to “never leave them unattended.”
Clogged chimneys or vents
Klosterman advises keeping your chimney as clean as possible to avoid starting a house fire. “Leaves, bird nests, and other debris can collect in your chimney if it’s not regularly cleaned, and these materials are highly combustible,” she says.
Vents are also a fire hotspot. Like lint can build up in your dryer vent, grease particles can build up in exhaust systems, making them highly flammable in cooking areas, explains Klosterman.
Fire hazards in your yard
Some of the biggest fire hazards in your yard are things like dry plants and vegetation. “This is because things like dry leaves and debris can ignite very quickly in hot temperatures, and the fire spreads rapidly because of the fast ignition time,” says Andy Ellis, garden expert and advisor at Posh.co.uk.He adds that grills or fire pits can be dangerous if you don’t clean or maintain them properly.
According to Ellis, you should inspect your yard on a monthly basis to check for hazards and ensure everything is in order. He also recommends a more extensive clean-out twice a year to ensure any potential dangers have been removed.
How often to check your home for fire hazards
Fire safety is no joke, so it’s crucial that you inspect your home regularly. “It’s a good idea to give your home a fire hazard check-up at least once a season because each season brings its own potential risks, so about four times a year,” says Duckworth. However, other items like your vents or power strips and outlets need to be checked more often, she notes.
Klosterman advises using a schedule to stay on top of fire safety in your home. Her guide for inspection:
- Monthly: Test smoke alarms and inspect fire extinguishers monthly. “To test fire extinguishers, check that the pressure gauge is operable, hold the extinguisher to confirm it’s full, and complete a visual inspection for damage or corrosion,” she says.
- Quarterly: Check for any electrical issues or appliance malfunctions that could pose a risk.
- Seasonally: Before the cooler months, check space heaters, fireplace maintenance, and carbon monoxide detectors. Additionally, clean cooking vents every 3 to 6 months.
- Annually: Replace batteries in smoke detectors every year.
