When does a fire hazard not look like a fire hazard? I would say at least 30 percent of the time. Hidden fire hazards are not obvious, and yet they cause tens of thousands of fires each year, maybe more. Make sure that your home is safe.
In my previous two posts, I covered four hidden fire hazards that you may have in your home right now. Although I thought my home was safe, it turned out that we were guilty for exactly half of the hazards I already mentioned. Now here are two more that might need to be addressed and addressed soon.
Vintage Appliances
Here is another hidden fire hazard that I am guilty of, the vintage appliance! Vintage appliances can look cool sitting on a kitchen counter, or they can be a matter of frugality (a great find at a yard sale or thrift store), but they can also be sources of fire in your home. Why? There are a couple of reasons.
Vintage appliances, made years ago, were not subject to modern safety standards and codes. They may also have frayed or damaged wires or parts that could make them very prone to starting a fire. If you just love the look of your vintage appliance, go ahead and have it rewired. Then you can enjoy it and be safe at the same time. Otherwise, stick with modern appliances that carry a UL mark.
Sawdust and Fabric Fibers
Do you like to do it yourself? If so, make sure that you have a good system for collecting the dust that accumulates, both sawdust and the dust from fabric fibers. Sawdust can be especially deadly. It looks harmless but can easily combust. Use a vacuum that is especially made to handle combustible dust. Be careful not to blow it into the air; it ignites easiest there.
Well that is it. Hopefully you have identified and eliminated the hidden fire hazards in your home. Don’t forget to read The Hidden Fire Hazards in Your Home and The Hidden Fire Hazards in Your Home Part 2.
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