Your home is your sanctuary, filled with stylish decor and comforts that make life easier. However, hidden within your Instagram-worthy space might be unexpected fire hazards that could quickly turn your dream home into a disaster. To keep your home safe, identify and address these potential dangers before they become a problem.

The Toaster

Your toaster is a breakfast hero, crisping bagels and bread to perfection. But if it’s left unattended or crumbs accumulate at the bottom, it can become a fiery fiend.

Keep your toaster in check by cleaning out the crumb tray regularly and never leaving it unsupervised. If you notice any strange smells or it starts to smoke, unplug it immediately.

Unassuming Laptop Charger

The constant companion during Netflix binges and Zoom meetings is essential. The truth is, everything that you plug into a wall has the potential to be a fire hazard, and while it’s extremely rare and unlikely, it could still be a hazard in an outage or if it’s tampered with.

Unplug your charger when it’s not in use to avoid this danger. If you’re anything like us, remembering to unplug it can be challenging, so consider investing in a smart power strip that shuts off automatically.

Sneakly Dryer Lint

Everyone loves the fresh scent of laundry straight out of the dryer, but lint buildup can be a severe fire hazard.

Avoid link buildup by cleaning the lint trap after every use, and don’t forget to check the exhaust vent regularly. If your dryer takes longer than usual to dry clothes, it might be time for a deeper clean.

Forgotten Space Heater

Space heaters are fantastic for those chilly nights, but they can be dangerous if left unattended or placed too close to flammable items like curtains or bedding.

Keep space heaters at least three feet away from anything that can burn, and never leave them on overnight or when you leave the room.

The Microwave

Microwaves make our lives easier, but food splatters left unattended can catch fire, especially when you’re reheating that leftover pizza for the third time.

Wipe down the interior regularly to prevent food buildup. If something catches fire, open the door and unplug the microwave immediately.

Overworked Power Strips

Power strips are convenient, but plugging in too many high-wattage devices can lead to overheating and fires.

Avoid plugging one power strip into another and spread out your devices across multiple outlets. Check the wattage capacity and don’t exceed it.

Candles

Candles add ambiance and a nice aroma to your home, but they’re also a leading cause of house fires, especially when left unattended or placed near flammable materials.

Keep an eye on lit candles, place them on stable surfaces away from curtains or papers, and extinguish them before leaving the room.

Rogue Electric Blanket

Electric blankets are cozy, but they can overheat and start a fire if they’re old or misused.

Check your electric blanket for any signs of wear and tear, follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and never leave it on all night or when you’re not home.

Trusty Oven Mitt

We all have that one oven mitt that’s been through countless meals, but if it’s worn out, it can catch fire easily.

Replace old, worn-out oven mitts regularly and keep them away from open flames.

Decorative Lighting

String and fairy lights make our homes look magical, but if they’re not correctly maintained or left on for too long, they can overheat and start a fire.

Use lights rated for indoor use, check for frayed wires, and turn them off when you leave the house or go to bed.

Beloved Flat Iron

Your flat iron is your best friend on bad hair days, but leaving it plugged in or placing it on flammable surfaces can lead to a disaster.

After every use, always unplug your flat iron and place it on a heat-resistant mat.

Stove Burner

We’ve all been there: cooking up a storm and forgetting to turn off a burner. It happens, but it’s also a major fire hazard.

Get in the habit of double-checking your stove before you leave the kitchen. Set a timer or use a reminder to help you remember.

Cluttered Garage

Your garage is a storage haven, but piling up flammable items like paint, gasoline, and old newspapers can create a fire hazard.

Store flammable items properly, keep the garage well-ventilated, and avoid clutter that can fuel a fire.