It’s October, which means it’s fire prevention month! Every year, homeowners face risks of destructive fires right where they live. Prevention is easier when you know what to look for, so we’re providing a list of the most common home fire hazards you should know.
Some common home fire hazards include smoke alarms with dead batteries, unattended kitchens, several heating appliances connected to the same outlet, lint buildup in dryers, extension cords and water, and even dry grass.
Keep reading to explore our full list.
Smoke Alarms
Smoke alarms are one of the most important safety devices in any home. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), approximately three out of five fire-related deaths occur in homes that either lack smoke alarms or have alarms that are not functioning properly.
1. Smoke Alarms With Old Or Dead Batteries
Smoke alarms with old or dead batteries are a home fire hazard because they may fail to alert occupants in the event of a fire. Here are some smoke alarm guidelines by the NFPA to ensure safety:
- Smoke alarms with non-replaceable 10-year batteries are built to last for up to a decade, but if the unit begins to chirp, indicating a low battery, the entire alarm should be replaced immediately.
- For alarms with replaceable batteries, a new battery should be installed at least once a year. Always use the battery type recommended by the manufacturer to ensure proper operation, as using the wrong type may cause the alarm to malfunction.
2. Untested Smoke Alarms
Testing of smoke alarms is a simple yet vital safety step. The NFPA recommends that homeowners should press the test button on each alarm to confirm they are functioning correctly at least once per month.
The Kitchen
Cooking is the most common cause of reported home fires, and it ranks second as a cause of home fire deaths (source). Taking preventative steps in the kitchen can significantly reduce the risk of fire and protect your home and loved ones.
3. Unattended Kitchens
Even walking away for a few minutes can cause food to overheat or catch fire when the conditions are right. Always stay on the stove when using the burners and check regularly when baking.
4. Flammable Items Close To The Stovetop
Keep anything flammable, like dish towels, paper products, curtains, and bottles of oil, at least three feet from heat sources. Items too close to the burners can ignite quickly and cause a fire to spread.
5. Ignoring Basic Microwave Safety Instructions
Improper microwave use can be dangerous. Follow your appliance’s manual and adhere to fire safety tips such as:
- Never use extension cords to power your microwave
- Regularly clean grease and oil buildup
- Use only microwave-safe containers (never use metal)
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) offers more detailed guidance on this topic.
6. Not Having A Fire Extinguisher At Hand
To control home fire hazards, every homeowner should have at least one fire extinguisher per level, with one specifically placed in the kitchen. Quick access to an extinguisher can make the difference between a small incident and a serious emergency.
7. Putting Water On a Grease Fire
Never pour water on a grease fire, as it can cause the fire to erupt and spread. Instead, turn off the burners and use a fire extinguisher to extinguish the fire. Awareness and correct action are crucial in such moments.
8. Alcohol
Cooking under the influence of alcohol can impair judgment and reaction time. To reduce the risk of accidents or forgetting food on the stove, avoid consuming significant amounts of alcohol while cooking.
9. The Holiday Season
According to the NFPA, Thanksgiving sees the highest number of home cooking fires, followed by Christmas Day and Christmas Eve. Stay alert and practice extra caution during these holidays.
10. Grease Buildup and Charred Remains
Old grease and burnt food residue can act as fuel inside your oven. Clean your oven every 12 weeks (or more often if used heavily) and remove food debris after each use. This simple habit significantly reduces fire risks when cooking using the oven.
Home Heating Equipment and Fireplaces
Fires involving heating equipment accounted for 12% of all reported home fires between 2019 and 2023 (source). While essential during colder months, heating appliances and fireplaces must be used carefully to prevent injuries.
11. Heat Sources Too Close To Flammable Items
Keep all heating equipment, such as space heaters and radiators, at least three feet away from flammable materials like furniture, curtains, bedding, and paper products. This distance helps reduce the risk of fire from radiated heat or direct contact.
12. Several Heating Appliances Connected to The Same Outlet
These devices draw high amounts of power, and sharing an outlet increases the risk of overheating and potentially fire. Always use a dedicated outlet for each heating appliance.
13. Uninspected Chimneys
Chimneys should be inspected and cleaned annually by a professional. Over time, creosote (a flammable substance formed from burning wood) can build up and ignite, causing chimney fires. Regular maintenance ensures your chimney stays clean and safe to use.
14. Unattended Fireplaces Or Heating Appliances
Never leave fireplaces or space heaters unattended. Establish a three-foot safety zone around them, especially to keep children and pets away. Staying nearby allows you to respond quickly if an issue arises, helping to prevent any fire-related incidents.
15. Choosing the Wrong Wood
Burning wet wood leads to faster creosote buildup inside the chimney. To minimize this risk, always use dry wood, which burns more evenly and produces less smoke.
Home Appliances
Household appliances are essential for daily living, but they can also represent fire hazards at home if not properly maintained or inspected. Being proactive about safety helps protect your home and family.
16. Appliances Missing Safety Label Or Overdue For Inspection
All major appliances should have a safety certification label. If an appliance lacks this label or is significantly outdated, consider having it inspected by a professional or replacing it.
17. Lint Buildup In Dryers
Failure to clean dryers is the leading cause of home clothes dryer fires (source). Always clean the lint filter before or after each load, and remove any lint buildup around the drum. This simple habit greatly reduces fire risk.
18. Major Appliances Connected to the Wrong Outlet
Major appliances such as refrigerators, dryers, washers, and stoves should always be plugged directly into a wall outlet. These appliances consume a lot of power and can overload extension cords and plug strips, increasing the risk of fire.
Electronics and Outlets
In an NFPA study, electrical wiring and related equipment were involved in 6% of all home fires and contributed to 11% of all home fire deaths. Safe use of electronics and attention to outlet safety are essential in preventing these incidents. Here are some home fire hazards related to electronics and outlets.
19. Overloaded Or Worn Electrical Outlets
Plugging too many appliances into a single outlet increases the risk of overloading the circuit, which can lead to overheating and fire. Additionally, avoid using outlets that appear worn or loose, as they may not hold plugs securely.
20. Extension Cords Placed Under Rugs
Never run extension cords under rugs or carpets. When covered, heat cannot escape, potentially causing the cord to overheat and ignite surrounding materials.
21. Lamps Using Bulbs With Excessive Wattage Requirements
Using a bulb that exceeds the recommended wattage for a lamp can result in excessive heat. This can damage the socket and significantly increase the risk of fire.
22. Electronics Left Plugged In When Unused
Leaving electronics such as coffee makers, toasters, and air fryers plugged in when not in use can pose a home fire hazard, especially if the device or outlet is faulty. Unplug devices when they are not needed to reduce the chance of electrical malfunction or overheating.
23. Flammable Items Near Certain Electronics
Electronics such as TVs, computers, and game consoles generate heat during use. Keep them away from flammable items as they can overheat and pose a risk of fire.
24. Laptops With Blocked Air Vents
Overheating is a common issue when laptops are placed on soft surfaces (such as beds) that block ventilation. If a laptop feels unusually hot or shuts down unexpectedly, it may be overheating. Continued use in this state can damage the device or cause a fire.
25. Fake Charger Replacements
“Fake” or non-certified chargers may not meet safety standards and can overheat or malfunction. Always use the charger provided by the manufacturer or one certified for your device to ensure safe and reliable operation.
26. Charging Your Phone On Your Bed
Charging phones on soft surfaces like beds or under pillows can trap heat. This creates a potential fire hazard. Invest in quality charging equipment and charge on hard, ventilated surfaces.
27. Clothing Irons
Clothing irons are high-wattage devices and can overburden a circuit if used alongside other appliances. Avoid using damaged cords to prevent shocks or fire, and never leave an iron unattended when in use.
28. Extension Cords and Water
Using extension cords near sinks, bathtubs, or any source of water can cause electrical shorts, shocks, or fires. Always keep cords dry and away from wet areas to ensure safety.
Basements, Backyards and Other Storage Areas
Less-frequented areas of the home, such as basements, backyards, and storage sheds, can present hidden home fire hazards. Proper organization and storage practices are key to minimizing risk.
29. Improperly Stored Newspapers
Stacks of old newspapers stored in warm, damp conditions can spontaneously combust. The heat buildup in large piles, especially when combined with moisture, can start a fire without any external ignition. Store newspapers in cool areas and keep them away from flammable materials.
30. Unsafely Stored Flammable Items
Flammable liquids like gasoline should always be stored in tightly sealed, clearly labeled metal containers. Keep them away from heat sources, including gas or charcoal grills, to prevent accidental ignition.
31. Grills and Fire Pits Too Close To Flammable Items and Structures
Always position grills and fire pits at least 10 feet away from your home or other flammable structures. Adequate spacing helps prevent stray embers from igniting nearby surfaces.
32. Leaving Grills and Firepits Lit
Never leave an open flame unattended. A fire that appears manageable can quickly grow out of control within minutes. Always extinguish grills and fire pits completely before walking away, even for a few hours.
33. Dry Grass
Overgrown, dry vegetation poses a serious fire risk. Fire departments often recommend keeping dry grass and weeds trimmed to 3 inches or less if located within 100 feet of any building or combustible fencing to reduce the chance of ignition.
34. Propane
Propane is a highly flammable gas commonly used in backyard grills. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), around 30 people are injured annually due to gas grill fires or explosions.
To lower the risk, check the burner tubes for blockages, inspect for gas leaks using the manufacturer’s instructions, and keep open flames or cigarettes away from the grill, especially when a leak is suspected. Visit the CPSC website for more information.
35. Fireworks
The NFPA estimated that fireworks caused approximately 31,302 fires in 2022. Fireworks should be handled with caution, and all recommended safety measures should be followed. Improper use or poor supervision can quickly result in injury or property damage.
Other Home Fire Hazards
In addition to the areas already covered, there are other common fire hazards that homeowners should be aware of to ensure a safe living environment.
Candles
- Putting candles on the wrong surfaces
- Candles close to flammable materials
- Candles within reach of children and pets
Christmas Trees
- Non led lights
- Dry branches
Cigarettes
- Smoking indoors
- Not making sure cigarettes and properly extinguished
- Smoking in bed
Escape Plans
- Rooms with only one exit
- Bedrooms without windows
- Cluttered escape routes
- Neglecting escape plan practice
- No support plan for those needing assistance
Other
- Collected dust
- Batteries
Contact Us Today to Secure Your Home
At Habitec Security, we offer customizable home fire alarm systems designed to meet the unique needs of local homeowners. Our fire alarm systems can include award-winning local monitoring for added peace of mind. We have over 50 years in the security industry.
Learn more about our home fire alarm systems or contact us today for a free security evaluation. We proudly serve homeowners across Ohio and Michigan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about fire hazards at home.
What Is The Biggest Risk Of A House Fire?
According to the NFPA, cooking is the leading cause of home fires in the U.S., with unattended cooking being the most common contributing factor.
Is Leaving Appliances Plugged In a Fire Hazard?
Yes, it can be. The U.S. Fire Administration advises unplugging small appliances when they’re not in use. This includes items like toasters, air fryers, coffee makers, and hair styling tools.
How Do You Identify Fire Hazards In Your Home?
Start by reviewing the user manual for each appliance or device you bring into your home. For additional guidance, visit our blog or check resources provided by the NFPA for up-to-date fire safety recommendations.