The Biggest – And Most Unexpected – Fire Hazards In Our Homes

1. Laptops - A Hidden Hazard!

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If left on for a long time, laptops can overheat and get quite hot!  If they are put on a sofa, bed, blanket, etc, this can prevent airflow from the vents cooling down the device and can actually create sufficient heat to start a fire. Be sure to keep your laptop on a hard surface when you're not using it to prevent such an accident.

2. Leaving TV On Standby - A Common Occurrence!

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Shockingly, around 6,000 fires are caused each year by electrical faults and many are preventable. For safety's sake, switch all electrical equipment off properly, such as televisions, particularly at night.  Don't leave your set on standby as fire spreads quickly while you're asleep in bed.

3. Glass Ornaments On Windowsill - You Don't Want The Sun To Shine Through!

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This might sound like an old wives tale but it really is the case that glass vases, mirrors and crystal ornaments can start fires if they are in direct sunlight. Believe it or not, a serious fire broke out in 2015 because the sun's rays were shining on a Nutella jar!

4. Plug-In Air Fresheners - Not Always Sweet!

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Plug-in air fresheners do leave the rooms in your home smelling sweetly but if they are accidentally covered over, they can start a fire. Never put clothing or anything that can overheat if placed right next to the plug-in. Maybe use them for a few hours in the day and then unplug, especially in the evening.

5. Lamp Shades - An Unexpected Hazard In The Home...

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Lighting can easily be a fire hazard if not used correctly. Light Bulbs shouldn't be exposed because of the high temperatures they reach when they're on. Keep flammable objects well away from lamp shades and always remember to turn the lamps off when you leave the house.

6. Hand Sanitizer - A High Class Flammable...

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Hand sanitizer is considered hazardous as it has a high alcohol content. Alcohol, particularly ethyl alcohol, is usually the key ingredient in hand sanitizer, making it flammable. Ethyl alcohol evaporates at room temperature into an ignitable vapor. This is why it is classified as a Class 1 Flammable Liquid.

7. Aerosols - They Don't Always Leave A Sweet Scent!

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Household aerosols which include spray paint, spray deodorant, hairspray and vegetable oil sprays, are combustible. You should avoid having aerosols near an open flame. Also, keep away from direct sunlight as they can explode when exposed to the warm sun.

8. Forgotten Pots And Pans - A Recipe For Disaster!

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Here's a serious fact for you. In Ontario , almost a fifth of house and structural fires were started during cooking. Leaving a pot or pan on a stove when you have forgotten to turn it off, is a recipe for disaster. Get into the habit of turning the stove off if you are leaving the kitchen even for a couple of minutes.

9. Dirty Ovens And Grills - A Chore To NEVER Forget!!

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Cleaning the oven is one of those jobs that many of us put off. I mean, what's the point when it will need doing a few weeks later? Well, it is an important job as the buildup of grease and fat could ignite and start a fire. Get into the habit of wiping down after each use, when the oven is still warm, which makes it easier.

10. Drying Clothes On A Heater - Keep Those Radiators Uncovered...

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When your newly washed clothes are ready to come out of the washing machine, they need somewhere to dry. If it's raining outside, you could be tempted to drape the wet items over a radiator.  Never do this as London Fire Brigade say this practice has caused many fires.

11. Dust - A Vacuum Will Be Your Best Friend!

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Not only is the build up of dust a sight for sore eyes but if it's around electrical outlets, any sockets or floor heaters, a spark could set the dust on fire. You should dust and vacuum around these areas in order to prevent such a catastrophe happening.

12. Paper Stacks - One More Reason To Get Your Work Done!

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Newspapers or stacks of paper can be a hazard if they are close to a source of heat.  They can easily catch fire and spread quickly. If you have are guilty of having lots of papers, be sure to keep them where it is cool and dry. You should also separate separate stacks so they aren't too big. Think about storing paperwork electronically - it's a safer option.

13. Christmas Trees - Have A Merry Christmas, Not A Messy One...

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During the holiday season, whether you have a real tree or an artificial one, it's necessary to follow some safety precautions. Make sure the tree isn't near open fires or heaters. Electrical malfunctions can spark and ignite a tree. Also, don't overload electrical sockets with tree lights and if you have a real tree, water it frequently so it doesn't become brittle.

14. Clutter - A Fire Spreader...

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If you are one of those people who just don't like to throw anything anyway, your home is very likely to be full of clutter. Too much stuff lying around is a fire hazard because if clutter blocks pathways, windows or doors and a fire breaks out, you won't be able to escape quickly.  Just as importantly, a fire will spread quicker if clutter is in its way.

15. Toaster Crumbs - This One Is Truly Unexpected...

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Get into the habit of emptying the crumb tray in your toaster every two or three days.  Don't wait until you can smell burning from the crumbs. Besides setting off the smoke alarm, the crumbs can catch fire and set your kitchen alight. Before you know it, it can all get out of control.

16. Electric Scooter Charging

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The new and growing fire risk that's becoming an issue is charging electric scooters at home. Take the appropriate precautions and allow the battery to cool down before charging it and unplug from the socket after use. Purchasing your scooter from a reputable store should result in a better quality of battery.

17. Dryer Lint

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It’s very easy to forget about your dryer but you should take into consideration the build up of dryer lint. Dryers produce large amounts of heat when they're in use. With excessive lint, combined with the heat, a fire can ignite. Clean your dryer lint regularly to stay safe.

18. Electric Blankets

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Electric blankets have been responsible for a huge number of call outs from the Fire Department during the winter months when we regularly use them. Only purchase such a blanket that conforms to regulations and NEVER fold it as it could disturb the wiring.

19. Charcoal

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Remember to be safe with charcoal after using it for grilling. If charcoal is damp, it can ignite itself and start a serious fire. To be on the safe side, use a metal bucket or garbage can to keep the charcoal in.  It should be secured with a tight fitting lid and kept in a cool dry place.

20. Unattended Candles

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We are told time and time again to never leave an unattended lit candle in any room in our home.  Lighting a scented candle in the evening may be relaxing but if you go to bed and forget to blow it out, you're asking for trouble. You can even set a reminder on your cell phone before you turn in for the night.

21. Abandoned Stylist Devices

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Never, under any circumstances,  leave hairstyling devices, such as curling irons or flat irons) on your dresser, table or counter unless you have disconnecting them first. They could set fire. Also, you should turn off hair tools straight after use and unplug them.

22. Aging Space Heaters

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Space heaters, particularly the older ones, can overheat or ignite any flammable material that's nearby and start a fire. Try to avoid using older space heaters, always read the operating instructions which will tell you to make sure there’s ample space around the heater and not to leave it unattended when it’s in use.

23. Material Near A Heat Source

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Clothing, scarves, curtains and other materials that are close to a light, lamp, radiator or stove top, can start a house fire. Check every room to ensure no flammable items are near these heat sources.  If you've never bothered to check before and nothing untoward has happened, don't get complacent and get into the habit.

24. Sawdust

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Sawdust can be found in homes, particularly If you are working on a messy job or you're making renovations in your home, there is going to be lots of sawdust around.  It can be hazardous when it accumulates because it ignites and burns easily, especially when it’s in the air.

25. Dirty Chimneys

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An accumulation of soot and creosote might be all that’s needed for a chimney fire to start.  This would be so dangerous as it could grow into a full scale house fire.  Get your chimneys cleaned every year before you start using your wood stove or wood burning fireplace.

26. Rodent Nests Near Electrical Wires

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Pesky little rodents can be a danger if they build their nests from dried grass and flammable materials, right next to heat sources, or somewhere where sparks can occur.  If you have ever had rodent problems, use traps or get advice from a specialised exterminator.

27. Overloaded Electrical Outlets

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Too many electrical devices plugged into one outlet may lead to an electrical fire. You should select an electrical multi outlet tap that can plug into an existing wall outlet.  Alternatively, get an electrician to instal more outlets for you. Do it for peace of mind... I promise it's worth it!

28. Burning Cigarettes

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Between 2012 and 2016, 8% of structure fires (such as houses) were caused by cigarettes.  If a smoker falls asleep with a lit cigarette in his or her hand, it can fall on to the floor, possibly catching on bed clothes or other flammable items.  If you are going to smoke, do so outside as it's much safer.

29. Be Careful With Barbecues

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When you are barbecuing, make sure the grill is outside your home. Your grill should be clear of any tablecloths, plants or tree branches and check the gas bottle for any leaks before you use it.  Maintain the grill by washing with soapy water and clean out the grease trap to prevent a fire hazard.

30. Slow Cooker

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The chances of a slow cooker starting a fire is slim but there is still a very slight chance.  These cookers are designed to be switched on for long periods of time but, left unattended, could still fall foul of a short circuit.  Always purchase a slow cooker from new and not second hand.