Why Should We Worry About Flammable Household Items?
Every year, thousands of home fires start due to mishandled or improperly stored flammable things or materials. As stated by the National Fire Protection Association, flammable materials such as gasoline, aerosol cans, and cleaning solvents are responsible for more than 50,000 residential fires every year. These fires cause property damage in the millions of dollars and hundreds of lives lost.
In Ashburn, Virginia, five members of a family went homeless due to the house having caught fire, caused by the spontaneous combustion of potting soil that was left under the deck. This fire also damaged neighboring homes. Such events speak about the hidden risks of everyday items. Whether you’re safeguarding your property or preparing a fire-damaged home for resale, understanding these risks is crucial.
What Household Items are Flammable
1. Aerosol Cans
Aerosol cans found in items such as hairsprays, air fresheners, or even spray paints are the most clandestine fire hazard. These containers typically rely on propane or butane as propellants, making them highly flammable. If stored close to heat sources or punctured, they can explode.
When stored near heat sources or exposed to direct sunlight, such as in a warm garage cabinet or a bathroom shelf near a radiator, they can overheat and potentially explode. Even a small puncture in the canister can turn into a dangerous situation.
To prevent this, always store aerosol cans in a cool, dry area away from sunlight, stoves, heaters, or any source of flame. It’s best to keep them in a shaded cupboard that maintains a steady temperature and avoids humidity or sudden heat changes.
2. Nail Polish Remover
Nail polish remover contains acetone, a chemical known for drying quickly and being highly flammable. Vapors emitted from acetone might be readily ignited by any open flame or spark in the vicinity.
These vapors can spread quickly and catch fire from something as simple as a lit candle, a gas burner, or even static electricity. There have been cases where spilled acetone ignited instantly near an open flame, causing injuries and damage.
For safety, nail polish remover should be tightly sealed and stored in a ventilated cabinet, far from any ignition sources like curling irons or lighters. After use, cotton pads or tissues soaked in acetone should be discarded in metal or flame-resistant containers rather than the regular trash to avoid accidental ignition.
3. Gasoline and Other Fuels
Gasoline and similar fuels like kerosene or propane are among the most dangerous items found around the home, particularly in garages or storage sheds. These liquids are not only flammable themselves, but they also emit fumes that can travel along the floor and ignite from a distant spark or pilot light.
Improper storage, such as keeping gasoline in plastic soda bottles or old paint cans, significantly raises the risk of fire. Approved fuel containers should always be used and stored in well-ventilated areas away from the home’s interior. Ideally, keep them in a detached storage unit that remains cool and dry. Never store gasoline near furnaces, water heaters, or electric tools, as even a minor leak can have devastating consequences.
4. Rubbing Alcohol and Cleaning Products
Rubbing alcohol is commonly used for cleaning and disinfecting, but it’s also highly flammable, especially when spilled or left uncapped in warm areas. Its vapors can easily catch fire when near an open flame, stovetop, or even a hot light bulb.
Similarly, many cleaning products, including furniture polishes and degreasers, contain oils or alcohols that can ignite if not handled properly. A particularly dangerous mistake is leaving rags soaked with these substances in a pile, where they can spontaneously combust if there’s insufficient ventilation. To reduce risk, store these products in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry cupboard away from heat or open flames. Used rags should be stored in metal cans with tight lids or laid flat to dry outside before disposal.
5. Candles and DIY Supplies
While candles create a cozy ambiance, they’re one of the most frequent sources of residential fires. Their open flame can easily catch nearby curtains, papers, or decorations, especially when left unattended. The danger increases when candles are used in rooms where other flammable materials are stored, such as DIY supplies like linseed oil, turpentine, or paint thinner. These materials can release flammable vapors, and in some cases, soaked rags can spontaneously combust without any direct flame.
To minimize risk, candles should always be extinguished when leaving the room and kept away from anything that might catch fire. DIY solvents should be stored in clearly labeled containers in cool, well-ventilated spaces, and used rags should be either soaked in water or sealed in fireproof containers to prevent accidental fires.
Safety Tips for Managing Flammable Things
To minimize the risk of household fires, follow these precautions:
- Store Smartly
Flammable liquids and items should be kept in a cool, ventilated space away from heat and open flames. Garages and basements are often used as storage areas, but make sure the areas are free from any potential sources of ignition. - Label Awareness
Always read product labels for specific storage and usage instructions. Look for flame or explosion warnings to determine which items need extra care. - Dispose Properly
Always dispose of things like oil-soaked rags or spilled gasoline according to the local guidelines regarding hazardous waste disposal. Never throw them in the common household trash. - Upgrade Smoke Alarms
Interconnection among smoke alarms installed in your dwelling could greatly minimize fire hazards. It is in the case of sales of fire-damaged houses that indeed one has to present functional alarms for meeting inspection requirements and instilling confidence in buyers. - Limit Inventory
Only purchase small quantities of highly flammable substances to avoid keeping large, hazardous reserves at home unnecessarily.
If you are selling fire-scorched homes, you must make fire-related repairs and assessments because it is the difference between night and day. By allowing yourself a safe and prepared home, you protect lives and add measurable value to a building.
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