Common Household Fire Hazards And How to Protect Your Home

House fires are terrifying and devastating events that can cause death, injuries, and extreme financial losses for families. In 2023 alone, 2,890 civilians in the US died in house fires. While we’re all likely aware of some potential risk of fires, many Americans unknowingly have items in their homes that could put them in danger. Here are some of the most common causes of house fires that everyone should know about and take steps to protect against.

Appliance-related hazards

Certain appliances are particularly dangerous when it comes to fires. Some of the most likely culprits include:

Dehumidifiers

People may use a dehumidifier to reduce the risk of mold and mildew in their homes and to alleviate allergies. Unfortunately, more than 1.5 million of these devices have recently been recalled because they create a fire risk. Models from major brand names, including Kenmore, GE, SoleusAir, Norpole and Seabreeze, are among those subject to recalls. Consumers who own a dehumidifier should check their model number to determine if their device is subject to a recall. Some manufacturers have replacement programs in place.

Bathroom ceiling fans

Bathroom ceiling fans are an electrical device that many people tend to overlook as a potential fire risk. However, they can build up dust and potentially experience electrical problems that may cause a fire. Additionally, leaving fans on for extended periods may cause overheating and result in a fire. Some bathroom ceiling fans, including specific models manufactured by Braun NuTone, were recalled because of fire risks. If you don’t know what model you have, check the device to learn whether it might be among those subject to this recall. Homeowners should replace older models and look for signs that a fan is in poor shape – like odd sounds, smells, or discoloration.

Clothing dryers

You might be careful when it comes to removing lint from your drier’s trap, but what about the ducts? Clogged dryer ducts are a significant fire hazard, and you should be carrying out regular annual cleaning to prevent lint buildup.

Space heaters

Heating equipment in homes is a leading cause of fires. Space heaters are the number one culprit when it comes to those heating-related fires. Placing space heaters too close to bedding, curtains, or other flammable materials increases fire risks. These devices should have automatic shut-off features and be kept at a safe distance from any combustibles.

Electrical and battery hazards

Electrical issues are a major cause of fires in the US. According to estimates, 24,200 electrical fires occurred in American residential buildings in 2021. Nearly 300 people died in those fires, which also caused more than $1.2 billion in property damages and losses. However, lithium-ion batteries, which are in more and more of our devices, are another cause of fires.

Extension cords

Overuse and misuse of extension cords is a major contributing factor to household fires. There are also many misconceptions about “surge protectors,” which may look like extension cords. It’s important to avoid confusing various electrical sources and protective devices. Also, some actions, like running extension cords under carpets or furniture, are hazardous and can eventually cause fires.

Lithium-ion batteries

Lithium-ion batteries are in everyday devices – most notably, our phones. Yet, these batteries can pose significant risks of fires. It’s important to engage in proper charging practices and avoid placing items and chargers on combustible materials. Some devices that have been linked to lithium-ion battery fires include e-scooters, tool battery packs, e-bikes, phones, and e-cigarettes.

Human activities and negligence

Human errors and carelessness are some of the leading causes of fires. Some common mistakes people make include:

• Leaving candles unattended and improperly discarding smoking materials.
• Failing to properly handle certain combustible chemicals used in refinishing floors and surfaces.
• Cooking errors, which account for approximately 50% of all residential structure fires.

While there are many potential causes of fires, there are also steps everyone can take to prevent fires in their own homes.

Measures to prevent fires

Fire prevention starts with education. However, there are other steps that can reduce the risk of severe fires in the home. Some of those include:

• Checking appliances to ensure they are working properly
• Keeping track of recalls of devices in your home, including dehumidifiers and space heaters
• Following manufacturer guidelines for devices rather than misusing items like extension cords
• Installation of smoke detectors
• Maintaining fire extinguishers in key areas around the home

Even with all of the right equipment in place, it’s important to make sure everyone in the house knows about fire prevention. For instance, be sure to teach children proper cooking practices, how to use the fire extinguisher, and alternative methods for putting out grease fires when they become old enough to start preparing food.

By recognizing these common fire hazards and implementing preventive strategies, homeowners can significantly reduce the risk of fires.

When to contact an attorney

If you or a loved one was injured because of a residential fire, you might be able to recover compensation. Many fires are related to items that are unsafe for consumer use – including defective products like dehumidifiers and bathroom ceiling fans, as mentioned earlier. Negligent contractors may also take actions that could lead to fires.

If you believe you suffered damages because of a fire that was another person or entity’s fault, you should contact an attorney. At Ferrera & Gable, our experienced attorneys are here to fight on behalf of injury victims. Call us or fill out our contact form to connect with one of our dedicated personal injury lawyers today.