Once you know the risks, it’s easy to check your home for hazards and take steps to prevent fires. Follow these safety tips to reduce your risk of different types of spontaneous combustion:
Oily Rags or Clothing
- Never put oily rags in a pile to dry. Instead, take them outside and either hang them up or spread them out on a non-flammable surface to dry individually. Secure the rags as they dry and keep them away from anything flammable, the NFPA advises.
- Break down the oil. Once oily rags are dry, put them in a covered metal container filled with water and detergent to break down the oils. Keep the container in a cool, dark place.
- Get rid of used rags properly. Have a container full of water and oily rags? Check with your city or county to find out how to properly dispose of hazardous waste in your area.
Brush, Compost and Mulch
- Keep your yard clear of brush and debris piles. Use a rake to break up piles of organic matter such as leaves, mulch or yard debris that can generate heat. Pile up brush right before you plan to get rid of it and follow the process in your city or county for disposing of yard waste.
- Store compost the right way. Do you keep a compost pile for your garden? Make sure to keep your compost outside and away from your house. Use a probe to check the internal temperature regularly. If the pile heats up to 150 degrees Fahrenheit, lower the temperature by turning the pile and adding water.
- Watch what you plant. All plants can be a fire hazard if your yard isn’t properly maintained. But some plants (such as those with needles) are more flammable than others. When deciding what to plant, consider plants native to your area with waxy leaves and a high-water content.
Flammable Liquids
- Store gasoline properly. Keep gasoline only in a tightly closed approved container. Make sure to store gasoline in a cool area with proper ventilation. Never bring gas inside the home (including in a basement or attached garage).
- Don’t pour liquids into new container. Keep all flammable liquid in its original tightly closed container.
- Deal with spills promptly. If you spill a little flammable liquid on your clothing or another cloth item, take the item outside to dry. Wash the clothing as you normally would only after it’s dry, the NFPA recommends.
If something in your home bursts into flames, don’t panic – but take quick action.
Don’t try to grab any belongings. Get out of the home as quickly as possible, dropping to the floor and crawling to an exit to stay away from heat and toxic gases that rise to the ceiling. If you can’t escape, get behind a closed door and use towels, cloth or tape on cracks or openings to keep smoke out. Call 911 right away so emergency responders and firefighters can help you and anyone else in the house get to safety.
After the fire, contact your insurance company and use resources like the Red Cross to help guide you toward next steps.
