In North Georgia, did you know there are at least 11 overlooked fire hazards in the home?

You are most likely aware of common fire sources such as candles, overloaded electrical outlets, and malfunctioning appliances, but there are a number of fire hazards commonly found in your home that can be dangerous that you may have overlooked…

Are you aware of these other fire hazards in your North Georgia home?

Microwaves

Microwaves provide many fire risks. Overlooked metals on dinnerware, on takeout containers – even in recycled paper products – can result in arcing, sparks, and starting a fire. When cooked for too long, popcorn, a commonly microwaved item, can easily catch fire. Turn the microwave off immediately if you have a fire to prevent the fan feeding oxygen to flames and wait until it suffocates. Open the door only when you’re sure the fire is extinguished. Cleaning your microwave regularly using cooking items that are designed for microwave use to reduce the fire potential. Replace your microwave immediately if it malfunctions. Since Microwaves are high voltage, they pose an extreme fire risk when not properly operating. Unplug your microwave if it malfunctions. Replace your microwave if it malfunctions or have it repaired by a professional.

Batteries

Even batteries with a weak charge can pose a fire risk, however 9 volt batteries are the biggest culprit of fire due to the close proximity of their terminals, which can easily short. Using a battery storage case is highly recommended. Leave batteries in their original packaging and not lying around loose If you do not have one. Batteries should be stored standing up, placing electrical tape over the ends of each battery (all types – not just 9 volts) to prevent shorts. Never store batteries in metal containers, or near other metal items such as keys, steel wool, and aluminum foil and be sure to store 9-volt batteries separately. 

Light bulbs

Over-lamping means to use a light bulb with wattage too high for a given outlet, which can easily result in a home fire. Figuring out the proper wattage is easy. Just locate the proper wattage on each fixture’s outlet. If you encounter an unmarked fixture, then stay under 60 watts to be safe. CFLs (compact fluorescents) must also be used with caution as these spiral shaped bulbs could result in fire when improperly used. You should not use CFLs in any lighting unit where the base of the bulb is enclosed by the fixture, such as with track and recessed lighting. You can tell if your CFLs are overheating if they are burning out early and you notice they are brown at the base when you remove them. When these bulbs overheat, they could result in fire. Choose cooler options, such as LEDs.

Dryer lint

Dryer lint from your dryer vent or ductwork can cause heat buildup and fast-moving fires if not properly cleaned out. It’s important to clean your dryer’s lint screen after every load. Only use aluminum tubing to vent your dryer to meet the current fire code standards. Since your dryer’s lint trap only catches about 25% of lint, then be certain to clean the vent and exhaust duct periodically, as well as the area behind the dryer, where lint can build up.

Laptops

Most laptops can get pretty hot during normal operation so leaving your laptop on a bed or couch, or any place where its cooling vents are blocked is not a good practice. This overheating could result in fire so store laptops securely on a desk or laptop stand.

Stacks of newspaper, magazines

If left too close to a heat source, newspapers and magazines you planned to read soon and didn’t, could ignite quickly. Make sure if you need to keep old newspapers or magazines, store them in a cool, dry place and in short stacks.

Heating pads and blankets

Even in North Georgia, people use heating blankets. Improperly used or old defective blankets and heating pads can result in a quick burning fire. Read and adhere to all manufacturer’s operating instructions to prevent fires. Never place the cord between the mattress and box spring, or in any location where the cord may be pinched or folded. Always keep the blanket or pad flat when in use. Use heating blankets and heating pads on the lowest setting and no longer than the recommended time. When washing them, be careful and don’t dry, iron, or dry clean them, which can melt heating wire insulation and increase fire risks.

Barbeque charcoal

Damp coal can ignite and start a serious fire so throwing that unused bag of charcoal in the closest storage closet is a bad idea. Charcoal should be stored in a cool, dry place in a metal pail or garbage can with a tightly fitting lid.

Closet clutter

If a light bulb came into contact with a mile-high stack of sweaters, they could easily ignite. Combustible materials should never be stored near light fixture so cut the clutter and keep belongings far away from bulbs.

Dust

If your home has dust bunnies and they are around electronics, sockets, and heaters, they can ignite and start fire. Vacuum and dust regularly near outlets, wires, and appliances, including crevices and areas behind furniture, to prevent fires.

Old appliances

Very old appliances contain worn insulation and unsound wiring and are a disaster waiting to happen. Be sure to check them regularly to ensure good working condition and the safety of cords and connections.

If you need fire and smoke damage, contact Restoration 1 North Georgia for quick cleanup and restoration.