Protect against these surprising fire hazards.
As a homeowner, you’re probably aware of major fire hazards such as an unattended stove or a precariously placed candle. However, in addition to these more common fire hazards, there are also a wide range of lesser known threats. If you want to protect against fire, then watch out for these surprising fire hazards around your home.
Dust Build-Up
Accumulations of dust can provide the perfect kindling for a fire. You should be especially concerned about dust bunnies located near electrical sockets as a rogue spark could easily set them aflame. Luckily, eliminating this hazard is relatively easy. Just be sure to clean your house regularly, paying particular attention to hard-to reach places like behind your fridge, washer/dryer, and underneath beds where dust is most likely to build-up.
Old Papers
Surprisingly, stacks of old newspapers or magazines are the cause of many house fires. Stacks of old papers become especially dangerous when they are located near gas or propane containers or placed near a vent, space heater, or electrical socket. The best way to combat this hazard is by simply recycling these old papers and making sure that they do not start to accumulate in your home.
Oil-Stained Linens
Fabric that has been stained with cooking oil, grease, or gasoline can actually start a fire if you run it through your dryer. Normally, running oil-strained clothes and linens through the wash a few times should be enough to prevent the risk of them catching fire the dryer. However, if you want to be particularly careful, then you could always throw oil-stained linens away without attempting to wash them.
These are some of the surprising fire hazards that you might find around your home. Watch out for these threats to reduce your chances of a serious house fire. Remember, another way to protect your home is by having the right homeowners insurance protections in place. To find the right policies to meet your needs, contact the experts at Mike Leonard Insurance Agency. Our dedicated team is eager to find you the right coverage from one of our many carriers including: Kemper, MetLife, Travelers, The Hartford, Safeco Insurance, Progressive, and American Strategic Insurance. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.