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5 Things in Your Home That Increase Fire Risk

Posted On Friday, 12 May 2023 19:56
5 Things in Your Home That Increase Fire Risk

While a home fire is something no one ever expects, many common items and behaviors can cause fires. Of course, there are things outside of our control that can lead to fires. For example, lightning or wildfires may cause a blaze near your house. Also, even with excellent fire safety habits, accidents that aren't your fault can still happen. 

However, the truth is that the average homeowner isn't even aware of the things in their home that increase fire risk. While most people think they know basic fire safety, it's easy to forget these tips or encounter misinformation.

Many homeowners need to learn critical fire safety tips, which increases their fire risk. In this guide, you'll learn some everyday things that could cause a fire so you can take steps to create a safer home. 

  1. 1. Leaving Appliances on When Out of Town

If you're going out of town, it's best to turn appliances off and even unplug them if possible. As Ryan Kelly of Chicago Water and Fire says, "Any old appliances or electrical items with the ground plug removed or appliances left on when away from the home increase risk." 

By unplugging appliances and electronics, you can reduce the risk of a fire starting while you're away. 

  1. 2. Broken Smoke Detectors

Smoke detectors are the best way to keep yourself and your family safe from a fire. While smoke detectors might not stop a blaze, they can alert you to fires, big and small. Ensure you replace the batteries often and test the smoke detectors to ensure they are working.

Ryan Kelly also points out that "making sure the smoke detectors are functional and having a couple of well-placed fire extinguishers can make a huge difference and save lives."

  1. 3. Dirty Lint Traps

While you may have heard it before, it's important to note the fire risk of lint traps in your home. Your dryer may make it easy to do your laundry, but it could start a fire if improperly maintained. 

Every time you run the dryer cycle, you should clear out the lint trap. It's also crucial that you don't run the dryer when you’re gone. Finally, have a professional clear out the pipes connected to your dyer on occasion so that they don't get too much lint build-up.

  1. 4. Space Heaters

While space heaters might make your home feel cozy, and they can be nice to have in colder rooms, they are rather dangerous. If you're going to run a space heater, be sure you turn it off and unplug it before leaving the room. You should also ensure the heater isn't close to any fabric or upholstered items.

It may seem like a lot  to remember, but because space heaters can increase the risk of a 

home fire, you want to use them properly.

  1. 5. Candles

Candles smell great and create ambiance, but you want to use them correctly because they rely on an open flame to burn. 

Only let a candle burn if it's within your line of sight. You should also ensure that all candles are out of reach of any children or pets.

Finally, be sure to extinguish the candle after an hour or so.

Keeping Your Home Safer From Fires

While many things in your home can increase fire risk, you can take some simple precautions to make your house safer. Most of the things mentioned on this list only require slight adjustments to your habits. 

By thinking about fire safety and learning what to do, you can have peace of mind. 

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