How often do you check your home for fire hazards? In the US, there are over 1,000 house fires every single day on average, leading to the loss of homes and livelihoods. While not all of these fires are caused by the property and the owners, there are numerous risks around your home that can contribute to a fire risk. Regular checks and awareness of these risks can make you more proactive and responsible, reducing the likelihood of this type of tragedy.
This post is going to dive into some aspects of your home that can be a risk for you, as well as how you can help eliminate or reduce these risks. By taking proactive steps, you can ensure you are as safe as possible at all times, empowering you and giving you a sense of control over your home’s safety.
Open Flames
The main and most obvious one is understanding the risks of open flames within the home. Whether from fires, candles, gas-powered hobs, etc. Open flames can be a considerable fire risk, and if not given the respect they deserve, it can end in disaster. Always keep flammable clothing away from open flames, as well as accelerants that can increase the flames, keep any candles or fires you might have lit away from anything that can catch alight, and have the proper ventilation. Never leave open flames unattended.
Dryer Lint
Overlooking this small task can lead to a bigger risk of fire. Dryer fires account for over $100 million in damages and over 15 deaths per year in the US. The potential consequences of neglecting this safety measure should instill a sense of urgency in you to clean your vents regularly or use services such as
https://www.jcs-homeservices.com/dryer-vent-cleaning-sterling-va/ to help you ensure you don’t have a build-up that can put your life and home at risk. Ideally this needs to be after each use or profesisonally every year.
Electric Heaters
Like open flames, electric heaters can be a fire risk if they come into contact with anything that can catch ablaze within your home. Space heaters are great for warming a space, but they need to be used safely at all times to prevent accidental fire or damage to your property. Always ensure your space heater isn’t left on and unattended, especially if you have pets or young children. Keep it clear of any hazards and be aware of the surroundings when using it to reduce the fire risk.
Old Electrics
When old electrics become damaged or faulty, there is a high risk of fire. The risk is more prevalent when you understand that you won’t always know there is a problem or be able to find it due to electrics being mostly concealed.
There are tell-tale signs that your electrics need repairing or replacing entirely: flickering lights, tripping switches, heat from power outlets, an odd burning smell coming from walls, or scorch marks. If you notice any of these, it is important that you have them checked as a priority to ascertain the safety of your electrical system and ensure complete safety within your home.
Gas Supply
Your gas supply can be a massive fire and explosion risk. If someone sets fire to a gas outlet in your home, this can take hold instantly and create a massive problem faster than you realize; a gas leak can cause an explosion that can affect not only the immediate room but the entire property and wider areas depending on the scale of the leak. If you have a gas supply in your home, you need to make sure you are handling it properly and with care. This includes regular maintenance checks, ensuring all connections are secure, and turning off the gas supply when not in use to reduce the risk of fires or leaks.
Cooking
While this might sound like a great excuse to eat out more, cooking is the leading cause of home fires. More specifically, cooking that is left unattended or appliances being used incorrectly is the leading cause. From smaller toaster fires to putting metal in microwaves to setting fire to pans of oil on the stove, for example, multiple cooking mishaps can result in a fire, and it’s important to understand how to tackle a fire should this happen to you.
Have fire extinguisher kits in your kitchen specifically for cooking fires, whether from grease or electrical fires. Never cook food when distracted, leaving the home, or recovering from drinking, as this can result in disaster.
