[custom_adv] House fires continue to take a searing toll on U.S. homeowners, with more than 350,000 house fires per year causing as many as 2,510 civilian fire deaths, according to the National Fire Protection Association. [custom_adv] Fine, powdery flour suspended in the air can actually explode when it comes into contact with fire. And because flour consists of carbohydrates, it burns fast and hot. Although the average kitchen is rarely filled with so much airborne flour as to pose a fire hazard, flour mills must take precautions to guard against serious safety issues. [custom_adv] It stands to reason that cooking oils are highly flammable, yet a high proportion of house fires are caused when cooking oils ignite, often when pans are left unattended. In 2018, three houses were destroyed in Calgary, Ontario, and two more damaged after a cooking pan caught fire when left alone. [custom_adv] While virtually impossible to render a modern home completely fire-safe, experts say that mitigating existing risks is key to survival in an emergency. And with contemporary house fires typically burning faster and at higher intensities than in previous decades, diligent pre-planning can make all the difference. [custom_adv] Alcohol is flammable, and hand sanitisers often contain alcohol, meaning it can ignite easily. Never use too much and be careful where you use it. For example, if you’re out camping, don’t use these products close to the fire. [custom_adv] Skin creams are probably not top of your list of potential fire hazards. But there have been some horrifying accidents when people used paraffin-based skin products which have soaked into their clothing and then ignited. [custom_adv] The same noxious smell that keeps moths and other pests away from closets also makes moth balls extremely flammable. Moth balls are made from a chemical called naphthalene, which is used in explosives. [custom_adv] The average household may contain numerous aerosol cans, including cooking oils, cleansers, hairspray, deodorants, body sprays, fragrances, bug repellants and sunscreens. Aerosols work because the contents are under pressure, which means that they can explode when exposed to high levels of heat. [custom_adv] Sure, everyone loves a good game of ping pong—but ping pong balls, which are made out of celluloid, are highly flammable if exposed to high heat. Older ping pong balls were made of acidified celluloid, an ingredient that becomes unstable over time, which caused some balls to explode in mid-game. [custom_adv] Detergent pods, stain cleaners and fabric softeners are not only toxic when ingested, they are also flammable. Store them safety and follow the instructions when using them. [custom_adv] Dryer lint is nothing more than the buildup of textile fibers, hair, and debris—and these ingredients make it highly combustible. In fact, dryer lint is so flammable that many people use it to make their own DIY fire starters! Stay safe by cleaning your clothes dryer's lint trap, exhaust hose, ductwork and vents regularly to prevent lint buildup. [custom_adv] Hand sanitizers have become ubiquitous additions to many households, but the active ingredient—ethyl alcohol—is extremely flammable. Smokers or survivalists who carry lighters and bottles of hand sanitizer together in a bag or purse should be especially mindful to keep these everyday items stored separately.
