Fire Safety - Hidden Household Hazards

When people think about house fires, they often think of candles or electrical cords. But some everyday items around the house can also catch fire if they are not used or stored safely.

Many of these fires can be prevented by knowing what to watch for and taking a few simple safety steps.

Common Household Items That Can Catch Fire

Cooking oil: Cooking oil is one of the leading causes of kitchen fires. Never leave food cooking on the stove unattended. If a pan of oil catches fire, do not use water. Turn off the heat if it is safe to do so and carefully slide a metal lid over the pan to smother the flames.

Hand sanitizer and rubbing alcohol: These products contain isopropyl alcohol, which burns easily. Let hand sanitizer dry completely before going near open flame. Store bottles away from heat and direct sunlight.

Aerosol cans: Hairspray, spray deodorant, air fresheners and aerosolized cleaning products are highly flammable. Keep aerosol cans away from heat, flames, and direct sunlight. Never puncture or burn the cans.

Nail polish and nail polish remover: Very often, these products contain acetone, a flammable liquid. Use them in a well-ventilated area and keep them away from candles, cigarettes and other flames.

Powdered foods: Flour, powdered sugar, coffee creamer, and some spices can burn if tiny particles become airborne near a flame. Store these products away from stoves and other heat sources.

Lithium-ion batteries: Rechargeable batteries found in phones, tablets, laptops, e-bikes, and power tools should always be charged on a hard, flat surface. If a battery becomes damaged or swollen, stop using it and follow the manufacturer's disposal instructions.

Linseed oil: Linseed oil is often used for woodworking and furniture projects. Rags soaked with linseed oil can heat up and catch fire on their own. Lay used rags flat to dry outdoors or place them in a metal container with a tight-fitting lid before disposal.

Store Flammable Liquids Safely

Many homes contain flammable liquids, including gasoline, paint thinner, paint, cleaning solvents, lighter fluid, and some pesticides.

To help keep your family safe:

• Keep products in their original containers with the lids tightly closed.

• Store them in a cool, dry place away from stoves, furnaces, water heaters and other heat sources.

• Never pour flammable liquids down a drain or throw them in the trash. Take them to your local household hazardous waste collection site.

• If you spill a flammable liquid, open windows for fresh air. Avoid using fans or electrical devices until the spill has been cleaned up, since even a small spark could start a fire.

Fire Safety Starts with Small Habits

A few simple precautions can make a big difference.

• Never leave cooking unattended.

• Keep flammable products away from heat and open flames.

• Read and follow product safety labels.

• Test your smoke alarms every month and replace batteries as needed.

• Keep a correctly rated fire extinguisher (Class K wet chemical or Class B/C residential kitchen extinguisher) in or near the kitchen and know how to use it.

• Make sure everyone in your home knows two ways out of every room in case of a fire.

Some fire hazards are hiding in plain sight. By recognizing everyday items that can catch fire and using them safely, you can help protect your home, your family and your community.

Sources: Triumvirate.com, usafireprotection.com, rac.com.au,

www.internationalfireandsafetyjournal.com, www.ul.com