Flammable and combustible liquids and gases can be fire hazards
because their vapors ignite easily so extra precautions are needed when
using at home.
Common household items that can be a fire hazard include:
- Aerosol cans, like air fresheners, spray paint, or hairspray
- Alcohol (rubbing alcohol or high-proof spirits)
- Acetone (found in nail polish remover)
- Butane
- Gasoline
- Kerosene (often used in lamps and heaters)
- Lighter fluid
- Oil-based paints and stains
- Paint thinner and paint remover
- Propane
- Methane (Natural Gas)
Do not store or use any of these flammable materials near any source of
heat, sparks, or flames. Store flammable liquids in their original
containers and keep them tightly capped or sealed. Do not put them into
breakable glass containers.
If you spill a flammable liquid on your clothing, place the clothing outside
to dry before laundering.
Many homes have oil and gasoline stored on site, but it's crucial to store
and handle these flammable materials safely to prevent fires. Keep
gasoline outside your home, ideally in a garage or garden shed, but
never in your basement. Do not bring gasoline indoors, not even in small
amounts.
Always store gasoline in a secure, well-sealed container that's approved
for such use. Make sure the container is labeled. Make sure the gasoline
container is tightly closed when not being used.
Only use gasoline as a motor fuel. Gasoline should never be used as a
cleaner, a solvent, a degreaser, or a charcoal lighter substitute.
Be careful with rags that are wet with oil because they can ignite without
an external heat source. Store them in a secure metal container or dry
them outside in a cool, shaded area, away from buildings, before
disposing them. Never leave them piled up.
Before refueling anything with a motor, like a lawnmower, snow blower,
or string trimmer, make sure it has cooled down before refueling. Spilling
fuel on a hot motor can cause a dangerous fire.
Don't fill a portable container with gasoline while it's inside a vehicle or a
truck bed. Always remove it and fill it on the ground to prevent static
electricity build-up and possible ignition.
Rags are often used to clean-up after projects around the house and
they do a good job wiping up messy liquids like gasoline, kerosene, paint
thinners, solvents, as well as oil-based paints, stains, and varnishes. But
because these are flammable liquids, the oily rags can spontaneously
ignite if they are not properly managed. Oily rags can become a fire
hazard because the oils used in these products generate heat as they
dry. If this heat gets trapped, as it can in a pile of rags, it may build up
and eventually start a fire.
Ensure there is good ventilation in areas where flammable and
combustible liquids are handled, and oily rags are used. There should be
no smoking in areas where oily rags are used or stored.
Store containers with oily rags in a cool, shaded area, away from direct
sunlight or other heat sources. For proper disposal of these rags, check
with your local waste disposal facility.
Never leave wet, oil-soaked rags in a pile. At the end of the day, move
these rags outdoors to dry. When drying rags, spread them out or hang
them up, and weigh them down so they don't blow away. Make sure
they're not piled up and are kept away from buildings. Once the rags are
dry, place them in a tightly-sealed metal container filled with a water and
detergent solution to neutralize the oils.
Propane is a common energy source for heating homes and running
appliances, but because it is flammable it's essential to handle propane
tanks safely.
If you smell gas or suspect a gas leak, immediately evacuate everyone
from the area. If there is any reason to believe there might be a gas leak
do not smoke or have any open flames. Do not operate lights,
appliances, home phones, or cell phones because sparks from these
can trigger an explosion or a fire if there is a gas leak. If it's safe, shut off
the gas at the tank by turning the main supply valve to the right
(clockwise)..
If a pilot light frequently goes out or is hard to light, don't try to fix it
yourself. Call a professional to relight it and inspect for potential safety
issues.
Ensure the vents of your appliances are clear so gases can escape outdoors, and that the area around your appliances is clean for proper air circulation and combustion.
Home medical oxygen therapy is often prescribed for various health conditions, and while oxygen itself isn’t flammable, it intensifies combustion, meaning things burn faster and hotter in its presence. Always review and adhere to the instructions and safety precautions given by your oxygen supplier. Reach out to them if you have any questions.
Home medical oxygen therapy is often prescribed for various health
conditions, and while oxygen itself isn't flammable, it intensifies
combustion, meaning things burn faster and hotter in its presence.
Always review and adhere to the instructions and safety precautions
Never smoke or allow others to smoke where medical oxygen is used or
stored. Oxygen can cause materials to ignite more quickly and can
intensify an existing fire. Display "No Smoking" and "No Open Flames"
signs both inside and outside the home as a reminder to all occupants
and guests. Install smoke detectors throughout the home and have a fire
extinguisher easily accessible.
Always turn off the oxygen supply when not in use by turning the supply
valve to the off position. Store oxygen cylinders at least 5-10 feet away
from heat sources, open flames, sparks, or electrical devices.
Don't use candles or any oil or grease-based products, like lotions or
hair products, around medical oxygen. They can ignite easily and burn
rapidly. Avoid using aerosol sprays containing flammable substances
near oxygen.