6 Hidden Fire Hazards You Don’t Know Exist Inside Your Home
When people talk about fire hazards, you most probably imagine things such as forgotten electric equipment that doesn’t have a shut-off function, but it is left plugged in by a neglectful homeowner. However, there may be many other fire hazards in your home that you may not know about.
- Faulty smoke detectors
While a defective smoke detector doesn’t cause a fire, it can fail to alert you that something is going on. You should be well aware of the fact that smoke detectors have an expiration date and that they can malfunction. A good response would be to invest in some really good ones that will not become a risk and a liability instead of preventing a problem.
- Curtains placed too close to a cooktop
You may think that your kitchen looks really cute with the new curtains you just installed, but pay close attention to the setup of your kitchen. If those pretty curtains are too close to open fire, they are a definite no-no.
As much as you like them, they should go, unless you want to live with the risk that one day, when you leave your boiling pots unattended, the said curtains can catch fire and burn the entire kitchen, if not more, down.
- A dirty cooktop or stove
There is a reason why you should insist on cleaning your cooktop and stove regularly. A lot of grease can accumulate, and, if you didn’t know this detail, grease is easily inflammable, and that means that the risk of a fire is always present. Make sure that you clean your cooktop and stove after use to prevent any problems from getting out of hand.
- A fireplace that doesn’t get regularly swept
The National Fire Protection Association recommends that you sweep your fireplace at least once a year, as all the buildup of soot and debris should be removed, as they can become fire hazards. Also, it is essential that you pay extra attention to everything that could be too close to the fireplace, and it’s also inflammable. Remember to avoid letting children play too close to the fireplace, too.
- Loose electrical outlets
A lot of fires that can happen inside a home may have an electric origin. For instance, electrical outlets should be screwed well into place. If they are loose, the wires inside can be exposed to stretching and friction, and that could cause a fire. Hire an electrician or learn how to tighten loose outlets yourself, as it’s not a complicated process, but it could save you a lot of grief.
- Dust
While dust cannot catch fire by itself, it can present a risk of it nonetheless. When dust accumulates in what people call dust bunnies, and these get too close to heaters, they can easily catch fire and make it spread quickly. Therefore, it is always a good idea to invest some of your time in tidying up your home so that it is not exposed to the risk of fire.
