{"id":19094,"date":"2021-10-22T20:55:16","date_gmt":"2021-10-22T20:55:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/alternatech.net\/?p=19094"},"modified":"2021-10-22T20:55:16","modified_gmt":"2021-10-22T20:55:16","slug":"bad-habits-that-could-burn-down-your-house","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/justmetalking.com\/bad-habits-that-could-burn-down-your-house\/","title":{"rendered":"Bad Habits That Could Burn Down Your House"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class='\"has-text-align-right\"'>By Jill Lawrence O&rsquo;Hara and Manasa Reddigari\n\n\n\n</p><h2 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'>Dangerous Scenarios\n\n\n\n</h2><p>House fires are more common than you may realize, with potential fire starters like light bulbs, laptops, and lint traps hiding in plain sight throughout your home, disguised as harmless, everyday necessities. Are you guilty of one of these bad habits that could burn your house down? Read on to find out.\n\n\n\n</p><p>\n\n\n\n</p><div class='\"wp-block-image\"'><figure class='\"aligncenter' size-full><img fetchpriority='\"high\"' decoding='\"async\"' width='\"600\"' height='\"800\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/alternatech.net%5C/wp-content%5C/uploads%5C/2021%5C/10%5C/bad_habits_fire.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"\"' class='\"wp-image-19107\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/justmetalking.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/bad_habits_fire.jpg' https: sizes='\"(max-width:'>\n\n\n\n<h2 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'>Misusing Electric Blankets\n\n\n\n</h2><p>A warm and cozy electric blanket is a welcome comfort in the cold of winter, but it also poses a potential fire hazard if used improperly. Never allow pets to snuggle up on top, and don&rsquo;t pile extra covers over the electric blanket, because excessive heat buildup may lead to fire. Keep your electric blanket at its lowest setting, never bend the coils, and always turn it off in the morning.\n\n\n\n</p><div class='\"wp-block-image\"'><figure class='\"aligncenter' size-full><img decoding='\"async\"' width='\"600\"' height='\"435\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/alternatech.net%5C/wp-content%5C/uploads%5C/2021%5C/10%5C/Electric_Blanket_Fire.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"\"' class='\"wp-image-19108\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/justmetalking.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Electric_Blanket_Fire.jpg' https: sizes='\"(max-width:'>\n\n\n\n<h2 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'>Neglecting Appliance Recalls\n\n\n\n</h2><p>During the last decade, home appliances caused an estimated 150,000 fires each year, and a significant number of these were caused by defective appliances.\u00a0\n\n\n\n</p><div class='\"wp-block-image\"'><figure class='\"aligncenter' size-full><img decoding='\"async\"' width='\"600\"' height='\"435\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/alternatech.net%5C/wp-content%5C/uploads%5C/2021%5C/10%5C/Product_Recall_Housefires.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"\"' class='\"wp-image-19109\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/justmetalking.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Product_Recall_Housefires.jpg' https: sizes='\"(max-width:'>\n\n\n\n<h2 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'>Lingering Dryer Lint\n\n\n\n</h2><p>We all know that emptying the lint screen increases your dryer\u2019s efficiency, but did you know that lint is also flammable? Mixing excessive heat with lint buildup is a recipe for disaster. Clean the dryer vent and exhaust duct regularly, as well as the interior of the dryer frame, to clear away lint and clogs, and reduce the risk of fire.\n\n\n\n</p><p>\n\n\n\n</p><div class='\"wp-block-image\"'><figure class='\"aligncenter' size-full><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' width='\"600\"' height='\"800\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/alternatech.net%5C/wp-content%5C/uploads%5C/2021%5C/10%5C/Lint_Trap_Fire_Safety.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"\"' class='\"wp-image-19130\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/justmetalking.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Lint_Trap_Fire_Safety.jpg' https: sizes='\"(max-width:'>\n\n\n\n<h2 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'>Letting Your Laptop Overheat\n\n\n\n</h2><p>If you own a laptop, you know how hot it can get. When you leave your computer on your bed, couch, rug, or other soft, flammable surface, you run the risk of restricting airflow through the cooling vents, which can cause your laptop to overheat and possibly catch fire. To prevent fires, keep your laptop on a desk or table instead.\n\n\n\n</p><p>\n\n\n\n</p><div class='\"wp-block-image\"'><figure class='\"aligncenter' size-full><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' width='\"600\"' height='\"435\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/alternatech.net%5C/wp-content%5C/uploads%5C/2021%5C/10%5C/Laptop_Fires.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"\"' class='\"wp-image-19149\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/justmetalking.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Laptop_Fires.jpg' https: sizes='\"(max-width:'>\n\n\n\n<h2 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'>Choosing the Wrong Wattage\n\n\n\n</h2><p>If you&rsquo;ve ever thought to yourself, &ldquo;It&rsquo;s probably OK to use this 60-watt bulb in a 40-watt socket,&rdquo; you&rsquo;re not alone. You are, however, putting your home at risk.\u00a0Installing a light bulb with a wattage that is too high for a lamp or light fixture is a leading cause of electrical fires. Always check the light fixture\u2019s maximum wattage, and never go over the recommended rating.\n\n\n\n</p><p>\n\n\n\n</p><div class='\"wp-block-image\"'><figure class='\"aligncenter' size-full><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' width='\"600\"' height='\"800\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/alternatech.net%5C/wp-content%5C/uploads%5C/2021%5C/10%5C/Light_Bulb_Fire_Safety.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"\"' class='\"wp-image-19150\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/justmetalking.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Light_Bulb_Fire_Safety.jpg' https: sizes='\"(max-width:'>\n\n\n\n<h2 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'>Disregarding Dust\n\n\n\n</h2><p>Believe it or not, built-up dust can be a fire hazard if it collects in and around electronics, electrical sockets, and even floor heaters. By vacuuming on a regular basis, especially behind your electronics, you\u2019ll significantly reduce the likelihood that particles of dust will catch fire due to prolonged exposure to heat sources.\n\n\n\n</p><p>\n\n\n\n</p><div class='\"wp-block-image\"'><figure class='\"aligncenter' size-full><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' width='\"600\"' height='\"435\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/alternatech.net%5C/wp-content%5C/uploads%5C/2021%5C/10%5C/Dust_Fires.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"\"' class='\"wp-image-19151\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/justmetalking.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Dust_Fires.jpg' https: sizes='\"(max-width:'>\n\n\n\n<h2 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'>Leaving Candles Unattended\n\n\n\n</h2><p>Candles add ambiance and aroma to any interior, but their soft glow can grow into a blaze far bigger than you planned for if left to burn unsupervised. While you\u2019re away, Fido could knock the votive over, or a draft could cause the flame to flare up and ignite nearby flammable items. Always keep lit candles in sight and out of reach of pets, children, or flammables like drapes. Before leaving the room, use a snuffer to completely extinguish candles.\n\n\n\n</p><div class='\"wp-block-image\"'><figure class='\"aligncenter' size-full><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' width='\"600\"' height='\"435\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/alternatech.net%5C/wp-content%5C/uploads%5C/2021%5C/10%5C/candles_fire_hazard.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"\"' class='\"wp-image-19152\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/justmetalking.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/candles_fire_hazard.jpg' https: sizes='\"(max-width:'>\n\n\n\n<h2 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'>Stepping Away from the Stove\n\n\n\n</h2><p>You may think you have enough time to get the laundry out before the onions on the stove brown, but resist the urge to leave the kitchen with the stove still on. A small flame can turn into a conflagration in less than 30 seconds, so keep your feet in the kitchen and your eyes on the stove whether you\u2019re saut\u00e9ing vegetables or searing meat. If you must step away, turn off the stove before doing so; it won\u2019t take as long as you think to reheat!\n\n\n\n</p><div class='\"wp-block-image\"'><figure class='\"aligncenter' size-full><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' width='\"600\"' height='\"435\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/alternatech.net%5C/wp-content%5C/uploads%5C/2021%5C/10%5C/kitchen_fire.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"\"' class='\"wp-image-19154\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/justmetalking.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/kitchen_fire.jpg' https: sizes='\"(max-width:'>\n\n\n\n<h2 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'>Ignoring Loose-Fitting Plugs\n\n\n\n</h2><p>If no plug seems to stay put in one of your electrical outlets, it\u2019s likely because the metal contact points in the receptacle have deteriorated and no longer allow for a secure connection. Continue plugging into the shoddy outlet and the missed connection could ignite a spark and cause a house fire as the current moves across air gaps, a phenomenon known as \u201carcing.\u201d For peace of mind when plugging in, call an electrician to replace the at-risk receptacle right away.\n\n\n\n</p><div class='\"wp-block-image\"'><figure class='\"aligncenter' size-full><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' width='\"600\"' height='\"800\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/alternatech.net%5C/wp-content%5C/uploads%5C/2021%5C/10%5C/outlet_fire.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"\"' class='\"wp-image-19155\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/justmetalking.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/outlet_fire.jpg' https: sizes='\"(max-width:'>\n\n\n\n<h2 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'>Leaving Traces in the Toaster\n\n\n\n</h2><p>Every time you brown bread or a bagel in the toaster, they shed crumbs that fall into the bottom of the appliance. During the next toasting cycle, these same crumbs can heat up and catch fire, and your toaster, along with the kitchen, could, well, be toast. If your toaster has a removable crumb tray, regularly unplug and cool down the toaster, take out and empty the tray, and wash it with warm soapy water to prevent crumb build-up. If the unit doesn\u2019t have a crumb tray, unplug it and then gently tip over and shake it to get rid of most of the crumbs.\n\n\n\n</p><div class='\"wp-block-image\"'><figure class='\"aligncenter' size-full><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' width='\"600\"' height='\"435\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/alternatech.net%5C/wp-content%5C/uploads%5C/2021%5C/10%5C/toaster_fire.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"\"' class='\"wp-image-19156\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/justmetalking.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/toaster_fire.jpg' https: sizes='\"(max-width:'>\n\n\n\n<h2 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'>Piling Up Dirty Rags\n\n\n\n</h2><p>A wood stain can bestow the perfect finishing touch on a DIY furniture project. But later on, that pile of oil-soaked rags you tossed in the corner could trigger the perfect storm: Left unattended, those rags are a very real fire hazard, as they could oxidize and spontaneously combust, causing a house fire. To dispose of oily rags properly, place them in a metal can that&rsquo;s been filled with water, and cover it with a tight-fitting lid, or lay them flat outside to dry.\n\n\n\n</p><div class='\"wp-block-image\"'><figure class='\"aligncenter' size-full><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' width='\"600\"' height='\"800\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/alternatech.net%5C/wp-content%5C/uploads%5C/2021%5C/10%5C/Oil_Soaked_Rags.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"\"' class='\"wp-image-19157\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/justmetalking.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Oil_Soaked_Rags.jpg' https: sizes='\"(max-width:'>\n\n\n\n<p>\n\n\n\n</p><p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"</p><p>By Jill Lawrence O&rsquo;Hara and Manasa Reddigari Dangerous Scenarios House fires are more common than you may realize, with potential fire starters like light bulbs, laptops, and lint traps hiding in plain sight throughout your home, disguised as harmless, everyday necessities. Are you guilty of one of these bad habits that could burn your house\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":19158,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"","_seopress_robots_index":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[21],"tags":[96,30,46,6,119,31,32],"class_list":{"0":"post-19094","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-tie-life-style","8":"tag-diy-home","9":"tag-household-hacks","10":"tag-life-hacks","11":"tag-life-style","12":"tag-saving-tips","13":"tag-tips","14":"tag-tricks"},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/justmetalking.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Colorful-Photo-centric-Vlogging-Creative-Presentation-1-1.png","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/justmetalking.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19094","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/justmetalking.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/justmetalking.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/justmetalking.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/justmetalking.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=19094"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/justmetalking.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19094\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/justmetalking.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/19158"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/justmetalking.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=19094"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/justmetalking.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=19094"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/justmetalking.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=19094"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}</p></figure></div></figure></div></figure></div></figure></div></figure></div></figure></div></figure></div></figure></div></figure></div></figure></div></figure></div></figure></div>