Tiny Habits That Could Turn Into Big Flames:

Home is the best thing ever. Nothing beats that feeling of walking in the door, throwing on your comfiest sweats and collapsing on the couch. It smells like meatballs in the slow cooker, warm laundry fresh from the dryer, and a vanilla candle glowing in the corner.  But on what feels like any old day, those same comforts could quietly spark a fire. 

Cooking Mishaps

It happens more easily than you’d think. Oil sizzling in your frying pan starts to smolder while you’re sending a quick text or running back and forth between rooms. You only stepped away for a minute, but that’s all it takes for a 4-star meal to turn into a 4-alarm fire. And that’s exactly why cooking is the leading cause of home fires.¹ Keep an eye on the stove for a drama-free dinnertime. 

Heating Equipment

After a long day of shoveling and building snowmen, there’s nothing like thawing out your frozen toes in front of a toasty space heater. Until it’s parked a little too close to the curtains. You don’t have to go cold turkey from that cozy little heater — just make sure it’s not near anything flammable and shut it off before you leave the room. 

Hairstyling Tools

You’re half-awake and just finished curling your hair, when you hear, “Mom, I need you!” You set the curling iron down for just a second — and before you know it, you’re out the door and it’s still plugged in. Remembering to unplug hot hairstyling tools keeps them from overheating and igniting. A strategically-placed sticky note or a quick phone reminder can really help. 

Candles & Open Flames

After a super-stressful day of answering what feels like a zillion emails, a candlelit evening is such a vibe — that warm glow and gentle flicker, and the soft scent of lavender feel like exactly what you need. Unless that flame gets a little too friendly with your Vogue magazine or sherpa blanket. You can still have a cozy night in, just give those candles some personal space. 

Portable Electronics & Chargers

We do it without a second thought. Phone on the bed, charger dangling — business as usual, right? But damaged cords and no-name chargers can overheat and cause a fire, especially when they’re lounging on soft surfaces, like beds and couches. Play it safe by charging devices on a table or a nightstand instead.  

Electrical Overloads

You’re juggling trying to plug in your laptop, iPhone and that viral neck massager you’ve been dying to use. You just want to relax ASAP and one extra device in a crowded outlet doesn’t seem like a big thing … until an overload or a worn cord sparks trouble. Spread them out or help protect your home and tech with a surge protector. 

Laundry Applicances

Dance class starts in 15 minutes. You quickly grab the kids’ bodysuits from the dryer, glance at the lint compartment and think, “I’ll get it next time.” It’s the last thing you have time for — but then again, so is a fire. It seems like no big deal, but that drawer of fluff can quickly turn into fuel for flames. Future you will thank you for taking ten seconds now. 

Smoking Indoors

It’s late and you’re ready to turn in for the night. That last cigarette before bed feels routine, but embers left smoldering on the couch can ignite faster than you’d think. Make sure yours is fully extinguished before catching some Zs — or better yet, take it outside.  

Barbecues & Grills

The grill’s fired up and the smell of burgers and hot dogs drifts through the warm summer air. Everyone’s laughing around the firepit, completely unaware that it’s just a littletoo close to that wooden deck. It only takes one stray flame to turn an unforgettable night into one you wish you could forget. Give firepits and grills some breathing room and help keep the good times rolling safely. 

Help Protect You From You  

It’s easy to think, “Oh that won’t happen to me.” But things like putting off cleaning the lint trap — or using a frayed laptop charger just a little longer — are all too relatable.  

Most home fires start during routines we barely think about. Staying aware and having the right safety products, like fire extinguishers and smoke alarms, can help stop an ordinary day from turning into a ‘you’ll never believe what happened’ story. When life gets hectic, Kidde has your back.