Lisa O
If you’ve never dealt with a house fire, it might surprise you how often they happen due to everyday things like cooking or dust buildup. Around 358,500 house fires happen every year, which causes more than 3,000 deaths. House fires also lead to huge financial losses—over $12 billion in yearly damages. To help keep your home safe, here are 15 common appliances that could be fire hazards you should watch out for.
The Oven and Stoves
Cooking is one of the biggest reasons for home fires—especially when using appliances like the oven or stove. Always hang out in the kitchen while cooking. If something’s in the oven, don’t leave the house. Keep dish towels or oven mitts far away when you’re using the stove so they don’t catch fire. Plus, don’t forget to regularly clean your oven and stovetop to keep grease and oil from building up!
The Microwave
Microwaves have their own set of risks, so make sure everyone in your home knows what shouldn’t go in there. Items like aluminum foil, utensils, and anything with metal or stainless steel can all be big fire dangers. If you’re shopping for a new microwave—try to find one that’s been tested by an independent lab.
The Toaster
Even though modern toasters come with anti-jam and automatic shutoff features, they can still fail if they’re not working properly. When you’re not using your toaster, unplug it. Because toasters can also give off extra heat, it’s a good idea to keep them away from upper cabinets while in use. Also, clean it regularly by removing old crumbs that could easily catch fire.
The Dishwasher
Dishwashers go through cycles of heating up and cooling down, and if something goes wrong during one of these steps, they can surely catch fire. It might seem harmless or convenient to start the dishwasher before leaving the house or going to bed, but it’s much safer to run a cycle when you’re nearby to keep an eye on things.
The Heating Pad
Heating pads and some electric blankets are responsible for around 500 home fires every year. Never plug these heated covers into an extension cord, and always make sure you’re awake and alert while using them. It’s super important to buy these items only from trusted retailers with products that have been tested and approved for safety.
Your Hair Styling Tools
Hair tools like straighteners and curling irons can heat up to 450°F, so they’re also a big fire risk if left on. Always turn them off or unplug them after use, but wait until they’ve fully cooled before putting them away. Make sure your tools come with an automatic shutoff function so you’ll be safe in case you forget to unplug them.
The Grill
Barbecues are a fun way to gather the family on a warm summer night, but it’s super important to take some precautions since your grill can catch fire. When you’re grilling—make sure it’s not right up against your house. Keep it at least 10 feet away and see that it’s not touching any branches or leaves overhead.
The Space Heater
Because these kinds of heaters are portable, many times, people end up placing them too close to flammable surfaces—like curtains, beds, clothing, chairs, couches, and rugs. Coil space heaters are particularly risky in this situation. Their coils can get so hot that they can almost immediately ignite anything nearby that’s flammable.
The Refrigerator
You might think a refrigerator being so cold wouldn’t be at risk of catching fire. However, parts inside it, like the compressor, can overheat and spark. When the electrical components inside the fridge catch fire, the surrounding plastic can fuel a serious blaze. Fridges cycle on and off for years, and their parts can wear down over time.
Your Personal Electronics
Lithium-ion batteries in everyday devices like phones, e-readers, and laptops can catch fire if damaged or charged incorrectly. Be extra cautious when buying aftermarket chargers—it’s best to stick with a trusted brand. If you’re anywhere outside of Canada, ensure you have a voltage converter so you don’t end up frying your electronics.
The Dryer
What’s the number one cause of dryer fires? It’s forgetting to clean them! Make sure to empty your lint filter after every load of laundry. And once or twice a year, grab a vacuum hose to clear out any lint buildup. If you need a little nudge to clean the lint trap after each load—put a sticky note on your dryer door and keep a small wastebasket nearby for easy disposal.
Your Lamps and Light Fixtures
Another common cause of fires is lamps, lightbulbs, and light fixtures. It’s important to stick to the wattage guidelines for all the lights in your home, as using a light bulb with too much wattage can easily start a fire. Plus, covering all those lampshades with stuff like cloth or paper can also be risky since those materials can heat up and catch fire.
The Worn-Out Cords
Never use a worn or frayed cord appliance since it can transfer heat to flammable surfaces like curtains, floors, and rugs that can start a fire. All those running cords underneath your rugs are another common reason for electrical fires. Pulling the grounding plug from a cord to fit into a two-prong electrical outlet can also create a fire danger.
The Portable Cookers
Small cooking appliances like slow cookers are also common causes of cooking-related fires. While newer models come with safety features like automatic timers, older ones usually don’t. So, if you have an old slow cooker, avoid using it overnight or when no one is home. Always unplug small appliances when they’re not in use—especially those with heating elements.
Your Power Bars
Power bars are great for charging or plugging in multiple devices at once, but they can also be a serious fire hazard. It’s too easy to place a power bar near water, under a carpet, or too close to nearby furniture. Frayed wires can easily start a fire without much effort. Check your wires regularly to ensure they aren’t damaged, and put your power bars away from other materials.