The Most Common Fire Hazards Hiding In Lubbock Homes

A fire can happen any time of year, and the majority of them start with everyday items you rarely think twice about. The good news? Most common fire hazards in your home are very simple to fix.

Here are a few things to check for in your Lubbock home:

1. Overloaded Power Strips

Yes, they are convenient, but they are NOT designed to handle a ton of high-wattage appliances like heaters, microwaves, and air conditioners. If you are daisy-chaining extension cords like a madman all over your house, STOP.

2. Dryer Lint

Clean the trap often, if not every single cycle, before you accidentally burn your house down. It can build up inside the vent and catch fire if you aren't careful.

3. Unattended Cooking On The Stove

One of the leading causes of fires in homes is forgetting something is on the stove. Stepping away, even for "just a minute," could be enough time for a grease fire. Be careful.

4. Damaged Electrical Cords

Frayed, cracked, or worn-out cords should be replaced immediately. You don't want to chance it.

5. Candles

Be careful about where you put candles and never leave them unattended.

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6. Dirty Chimneys and Fireplaces

Have your fireplace and chimney inspected before you light up. Buildup can ignite and cause dangerous fires.

7. Space Heaters

Make sure you store these at least 3 feet away from furniture, bedding, curtains, or anything else that can catch fire. Also, always plug them into the wall, not an extension cord.

8. Improper Battery Storage

Loose batteries can short-circuit when they come into contact with metal objects and should be kept in a cool, dry place. Avoid tossing them in a drawer with random junk. It could prove to be a very poor decision.

9. Grease Buildup

Messy AND flammable!

Regularly wipe down and clean your stovetop and the area surrounding it.

10. Missing Smoke Detector Maintenance

These can only save your life if they are in proper working order. Replace them when they aren't working, change the batteries often, and test them to be 100% prepared for what could be the worst day of your life.

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