Even if your home feels like the safest place on Earth, have you ever considered how some everyday objects in your house could cause a fire? We’re not just talking about the obvious things like matches or candles. But it’s those sneaky, little things — your phone charger or your cozy heated blanket — that might get you in trouble. We don’t even think twice about most of these items, but a little awareness goes a long way.
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Overloaded Power Strips
Power strips are lifesavers if you’ve got too many devices and not enough outlets. But you shouldn’t overload them, because the wires in them can become too hot. And the warmth you experience when you touch them? Not a good sign. When you have multiple appliances with high power demands connected (space heaters, video game consoles, air fryers, etc.), you are in trouble.
Lint in the Dryer
Who checks the lint trap every time they dry clothes? It may be easy to forget, but lint is fire tinder. A clogged vent pushes the dryer to work more – all that heat can ignite the lint. Tip: clean the trap every load, also check the exhaust vent for buildups.
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Space Heaters
These little guys are lifesavers in wintertime, but they carry risks. If they’re too close to curtains, furniture or bedding, the heat can set something ablaze. And double check to see if yours has a tip-over safety feature. Otherwise, a small bump may quickly become a catastrophe.
Charging Devices Overnight
We all do it — plugging our phones, tablets or laptops in before bed. But charging too much overheats the battery, especially if you’re using a broken cable or a cheap charger. If your charger feels hot to the touch in the morning, it’s a bad sign.
Candles Left Unattended
Candles create ambience, but they also ignite quickly. It might get swept away by a gust of wind through a gaping window, or the flame might burn something close to it, such as curtains or a piece of paper. Whenever you leave the room, blow them out.
Dusty Electronics
Is there a thick layer of dust on your TV or gaming console? That dust isn’t just bad looking — it can be a heat insulator, trapping heat inside the machine. If the electronics overheat, dust can catch fire, and a little grime becomes a lot of fire.
Old or Frayed Wires
That trusty old lamp you’ve had all these years? If its wires are frayed or cracked, it might spark at any time. It’s the same with extension cords and batteries. Open wires are an enormous fire hazard, -replace it rather than risk it.
Cooking Oils
Grease fires burn faster than you think. Leave an oil pan unattended for a minute and it can get so hot that it catches fire. And don’t forget— never water a grease fire. It only makes things worse. Better with a lid or baking soda.
Extension Cords Under Rugs
Tucking extension cords under rugs sounds like a good idea to keep things tidy but it is also a fire risk. If covered, the cords will become overheated and constant foot traffic will destroy the insulation and expose the wires.
Loose Batteries
Dumping old batteries in a junk drawer? Not so harmless. If the metallic ends strike something conductive, such as coins or keys, they can become hot and spark. Keep batteries in the original packaging or in a battery case for extra protection.
Light Bulbs With the Wrong Wattage
If you’re using a bulb that’s too powerful for fixture light, it’ll overheat the entire thing. In time, this fire will melt the fixture and can start a fire. Look up the wattage recommendation before replacing that brighter bulb.
Heated Blankets
There’s nothing like a warm blanket on a cold night, but if you leave a heated blanket on too long, or sleep with it on too high, it will overheat. When the wires in them are damaged, it is a recipe for catastrophe.
Fireplace Ashes
You think the ashes in your fireplace are all gone? A single small ember could survive for hours, days. They can start a fire if you dump them in a trash can or keep them in close proximity to something combustible. Always store ashes in a metal container until you are sure they are cool.
Hairdryers and Hair Straighteners
We’ve all forgotten to plug the straightener out or left a hairdryer on the bed. These things get crazy hot and can burn fabrics if left on too long or not allowed to cool down. Double check before leaving the house.
Stacks of Paper or Magazines
Piles of newspapers or magazines don’t look like much of a risk, but they are fuel for an open fire. One spark from a candle, cigarette or electrical problem could turn those piles into an instant blaze. Be sure to keep them away from heat and clear out the clutter.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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