If you are an average homeowner, chances are you are keeping a wide variety of flammable liquids and items around your home. While you might be aware that some of these liquids or items are flammable and could cause a fire, many of them look harmless or do not pose a direct danger. 

According to the National Fire Protection Association, flammable liquids and items are responsible for causing over 51, 000 home fires every year, resulting in more than 1,000 injuries, 168 casualties, and a total of $644 million in property damage. But, with proper precautions, you can prevent these flammable products to set your house on fire. 

This article includes the flammable liquids and items found around your home and some tips on how to safely use and store them. 

Flammable Liquids and Items Around Your Home

1. Non-dairy Creamer and other Powdered Foods

That’s true. This staple food along with other powdered goods like flour, starch, sugar, powdered milk, and spices are all regarded as highly flammable liquids and items. This type of product, when exposed to a naked flame, can quickly flare up and ignite. So, when you are using any powdery products, you need to be extra careful. Store them in an airtight container with a secure lid to prevent powders from spilling and keep them away from your stove. 

2. Rubbing Alcohol and Hand Sanitizers

Other flammable liquids and items found at home are rubbing alcohol and hand sanitizers. While these products are very useful when you are out and about, they are very flammable. Hand sanitizers often contain alcohol, which means they can also ignite easily. So, beware when you use them or use only a small amount of alcohol or hand sanitizers that can dry out quickly. 

3. Aerosols

Many beauty products such as hair spray, hair mousse, and deodorants contain highly flammable chemicals such as alcohol. These products can pose danger when not used and stored properly. Always check the label of these flammable liquids and items on how to safely use them. Moreover, these products can explode when overheated. So, make sure to always store them away from any heat sources or under the sun. 

4. Nail Polish and Nail Polish Remover

Because these liquids contain acetone, they can pose danger. This is because these products produce fumes and vapor that can ignite even from a distance. An incident once happened in Texas, when a woman’s body was burned when a nearby candle ignited her nail polish remover. While this is a rare case, it is important to be cautious and avoid using a nail polish remover near an open flame.  

5. Oranges

Surprisingly, this citrus fruit can also set your house on fire. The oil from this fruit contains limonene which is volatile and flammable. When you squeeze the fruit peel, its oil vaporizes enough to ignite an open flame and cause serious fire damage to your home. 

6. Linseed Oil

This type of liquid, used for staining or finishing work, dries up when exposed to the air. This drying process (called oxidation) can generate heat that can cause cleaning rags soaked in linseed oil to ignite. Also, keep in mind that any products used for painting, staining, and stripping are highly flammable. 

7. Gasoline, Turpentine, and Paint Thinner

They are one of the most hazardous liquids found in a home. Gasoline is known for causing 8,000 house fires annually. This is because homeowners often store them improperly in a garage or shed. 

How To Safely Store Flammable Liquids and Items At Home

• Store gasoline, paint thinner, and turpentine only in a UL-approved container. 
• Keep highly flammable liquids (like gasoline, oils, wood varnishes, strippers, and paints) outside your home. Perhaps, a detached garage or shed is an ideal place to store these liquids. 
• The room should be well-ventilated, dry, and kept at room temperature.
• Fill the container no more than 95% full to allow for expansion and prevent rupture of the container.
• Ensure that containers are tightly sealed to prevent fuel vapors from releasing into the atmosphere and potentially reach a source of flame. 
• Keep these items in areas away from electrical circuits or ignition sources like heat, sparks, and flames.

Professional Fire Damage Restoration Services By Superior Restoration

Practicing proper usage and safe storage of these flammable products around your home can help you save your life and the lives of your family as well as prevent damage to your property. But, if your property sustains fire damage, contact the professionals at Superior Restoration immediately. We offer fire damage cleanup and restoration services both in residential and commercial properties. Our technicians stand ready to help you bring your home back to its pre-damaged condition. Contact our local office today, Water Damage Riverside, for professional fire damage restoration services.