Hidden fire hazards at home: How to keep your family safe

Home is where we find comfort and build our lives, but sadly, fires can disrupt that peace in seconds. Allianz Home Insurance is there to support you, and we also care about your safety. Let’s explore some common fire risks so you can keep your family and your home safe.

When life gets hectic, it’s easy to overlook common tasks and hidden fire hazards. Cooking, using electrical gadgets, or lighting candles can become dangerous if we’re not careful. Fire dangers may also lurk in the laundry, garage, or attic, where clutter may block escape paths and fuel fires. Here are some common fire hazards around the house.

Your kitchen is often the heart of the home, but it’s also where many fires start. According to the NSW Fire and Rescue, nearly half of all residential fires start in the kitchen. Hot oils and fats can catch fire quickly on stovetops or in ovens, so stay alert while cooking. 

• Don’t leave cooking unattended – check on pots and pans regularly.
• Keep counters and benchtops free from clutter to prevent mishaps.
• Keep flammable items like dish towels and paper towels away from heat sources. 
• Clean cooking surfaces regularly to prevent grease buildup that may catch fire easily. 
• Keep a fire blanket or extinguisher handy in the kitchen and know how to use it. Never use water to put out an oil fire.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services warns that lithium-ion batteries are the fastest growing home fire risk. These batteries are found in many devices, from smartphones to cordless vacuums. Here are some tips for lithium-ion battery safety and using other devices:

• Use the charger that came with your device.
• Avoid charging devices overnight or when you’re not home.
• Don’t overload power outlets – they may overheat. Use power strips with overload protection and follow manufacturers’ advice.
• Avoid plugging too many devices into one outlet or connecting multiple power strips together.
• Check appliances for wear and tear, like frayed cords or scorch marks.
• If your lights flicker or circuit breakers trip often, call a professional electrician right away.

To find out more, read our article ‘Understanding lithium-ion batteries’. For other safety tips visit the ‘Electrical safety in the home’ webpage for NSW Government advice. 

When it’s cold outside, our heaters keep us cosy. However, heaters and fireplaces are key risks to fire safety at home.

• Keep heaters away from furniture, curtains, and anything else that could catch fire.
• Clean your fireplaces often to prevent creosote buildup, which could ignite.
• Use fireplace screens to stop embers from escaping and causing fires.

Take extra care with flammable household items. For example, cleaning products, gasoline, and some paints can catch fire easily. 

• Store these materials in well-ventilated areas, away from heat sources.
• Always read labels and follow instructions for use and storage. 
• Never mix chemicals, as this can create dangerous reactions. 

Being prepared for emergencies is vital for keeping your family safe from fire hazards. Have you created a fire escape plan?

• Map out escape routes from each room and choose a safe meeting spot outside.
• Practise this plan regularly so everyone knows how to react quickly and safely.
• Make sure everyone at home knows the emergency services phone number: Triple Zero, 000. 

Smoke alarms are critical for home fire safety. They alert you to smoke early, giving you precious time to escape safely. 

• Install smoke detectors on every level of your home and test them monthly. Change the batteries once a year or when needed. 
• Learn how to use a fire extinguisher and keep them in key areas, such as the kitchen and garage.
• Check your fire extinguishers’ expiry dates and pressure gauges to make sure they’re ready for use.
• Only use fire extinguishers on small, contained fires if it’s safe to do so. 

To find out how to install and maintain fire safety equipment, see our ‘Home Fires Guide’.

While there may be fire hazards hiding at home, there’s no need to panic. By knowing common risks, you can tackle them right away. Stay informed, practise fire safety at home, and stay safe.