Is Your Home Protected Against Fire Hazards?
You may not think your home is in danger, but countless fire hazards often go unnoticed in everyday life. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), U.S. fire departments respond to more than 350,000 home structure fires each year, causing thousands of injuries and billions in property damage.
Fortunately, many of these fires are preventable. Today, we're breaking down some of the most common—and often hidden—fire hazards in your home, and how a few simple preventative steps can make a big difference.
1. Dryer Lint
Always clean the lint trap before running the dryer—and don't forget about the vent!
The U.S. Fire Administration reports 2,900 dryer fires annually, with failure to clean the lint trap as the number one cause. These fires cause approximately 5 deaths, 100 injuries, and $35 million in property loss each year.
What to do:
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Clean the lint trap before every load.
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Inspect and clean the dryer vent and duct at least once a year.
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Hire a professional for annual dryer vent cleaning, especially if your dryer is in heavy use.
2. Outdated or Faulty Electrical Wiring
Old homes and DIY fixes can create unseen risks.
Homes built before 1980 may have outdated aluminum wiring, worn insulation, or DIY modifications that are fire-prone. According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI), electrical faults cause 51,000 fires per year, leading to 500 deaths, over 1,400 injuries, and $1.3 billion in damages.
Signs of trouble:
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Frequent tripped breakers or flickering lights
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Warm outlets or burning odors
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Use of extension cords as permanent wiring
Have a licensed electrician inspect your home's wiring—especially if it's over 30 years old or you've done renovations.
3. Loose or Damaged Outlets
A wobbly outlet could lead to a dangerous arc.
Loose outlets account for nearly 10% of electrical fires. As they wear down, the internal prongs lose grip, causing electricity to arc and generate heat—creating a perfect storm for fire ignition.
Preventive steps:
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Test outlets regularly for stability.
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Replace any outlet that feels loose or shows burn marks.
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Upgrade to AFCI (Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets in older homes.
4. Cluttered or Unattended Kitchens
Cooking is the leading cause of home fires—and most are preventable.
A cluttered kitchen, especially around burners or hot appliances, is an overlooked risk. Items like oven mitts, towels, paper products, and even wooden utensils can easily catch fire.
Tips to reduce kitchen fire hazards:
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Never leave cooking unattended, even briefly.
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Keep flammable materials at least three feet away from heat sources.
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Clean your stovetop regularly to prevent grease buildup.
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Install a kitchen-rated fire extinguisher in an easily accessible location.
5. Space Heaters
Give them space—and don't run them 24/7.
Portable heaters can be convenient, but they pose real risks. A 2021 U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission report found that space heaters are linked to 1,700 residential fires annually, causing about 80 deaths and 160 injuries.
Stay safe with these tips:
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Keep heaters three feet away from anything flammable.
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Only use heaters with an automatic shut-off feature.
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Never use extension cords with space heaters.
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Always turn them off before leaving the room or going to sleep.
6. Broken or Missing Smoke Detectors
Your first line of defense must be in working order.
Smoke detectors provide critical early warnings that save lives. However, many homes have missing, expired, or non-functioning detectors. Batteries die. Devices get disabled. Don't let that happen to you.
Best practices:
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Test all smoke alarms once a month.
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Replace batteries at least once a year.
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Replace smoke detectors every 10 years.
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Install smoke alarms on every level of your home and inside each bedroom.
Want added protection? Consider smart smoke detectors that alert your phone during an emergency—and can be integrated with your home security system.
7. Candles, Smoking, and Other Forgotten Hazards
Don't overlook the simple things.
According to the NFPA:
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Candles cause over 7,400 home fires annually.
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Smoking materials are the leading cause of fire deaths.
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Grills and fireplaces can quickly lead to dangerous flare-ups.
Fire prevention basics:
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Never leave candles unattended.
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Store matches and lighters out of children's reach.
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Fully extinguish cigarettes and fire pits after use.
Fire Monitoring Adds an Extra Layer of Protection
Even with all the best precautions, fires can still happen. That's why it's smart to have a professional fire monitoring system in place.
Ackerman Security's 24/7 Fire Monitoring Has You Covered
At Ackerman Security, we take home protection seriously. For over 50 years, we've safeguarded Atlanta homes with:
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24/7 professional fire and smoke monitoring
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Smart smoke and CO detectors
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Instant emergency dispatch to fire departments
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Integrated alerts to your phone or tablet
All it takes is one second for a fire to get out of control. But with real-time monitoring, you'll have peace of mind knowing help is on the way.
🔥 Get Your Free Instant Quote Today!
Call us at 800.552.1111 or get a free quote for fire monitoring and home protection. Your home. Your family. Your peace of mind—it's worth protecting.
