Fire Hazards You Might Not Know About

You may feel like your home is safe, but there are dangers lurking that you may not even know about. It only takes a second for a fire to start, and it can quickly escalate. Prevention is the best way to deal with fire, so let’s take a look at some fire hazards you may not be aware of.

1. “Daisy-Chaining” power strips. Power strips can be a great way to expand an outlet’s usability. However, they are not designed to be interconnected with other power strips or extension cords. In this newsletter, Harry J. Oster warns that interconnecting power strips and extension cords can present a fire hazard. If you use a power strip, be sure that the power strip is connected directly to the wall outlet and do not plug additional power strips or extension cords into the main power strip.

2. Combustible Kitchen Items. This Old House reports that 41% of house fires start in the kitchen.¹You can reduce the danger by keeping combustible items at least 3 feet from the stove.²Recipe cards, pot holders and paper towels are all items that can ignite when close to your stove.

3. Dryer Lint. Even if you clean your lint trap after every dryer use, lint still collects in the dryer cabinet and can cause a fire.³Hire a professional to clean your dryer and exhaust duct.

4. Barbecue charcoal: According to Renters Insurance.com, damp charcoal can ignite, even without a flame to initiate it. Place your charcoal in a metal container with a tight fitting lid for safety.⁴

5. Curled or squashed Electrical Cords: Rachel Smith with ninemsn Homes reports that curling or squashing electrical cords can cause a fire.

6. Exposed Light Bulbs. Since light bulbs create heat, combustible items near an exposed light bulb could ignite and cause a fire. Place protective globes around all exposed light bulbs.⁵

¹ http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/photos/0,,20567755_21119328,00.html
² http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/photos/0,,20567755_21119328,00.html
³ http://www.asgsecurity.com/asg-security-blog/fire-risks-at-home-3-little-known-culprits.html
⁴ http://www.rentersinsurance.com/2012/02/top-10-unexpected-fire-hazards-in-the-home/
⁵ http://www.mybiginsurance.com/homeowners-insurance/hidden-fire-hazards-that-can-cause-serious-damage/