What is the Most Common Cause of a House Fire - Fire Damage Restoration
Fire damage happens to homes quite frequently, and they can be an alarming thing to deal with. The National Fire Protection Association has documented that more than 300,000 houses across America come across fire damage in a year. Fire remediation companies like Paul Davis have completed many fire restoration services because of these statistics. The risk of a house fire shouldn't be ignored, and that's why it's great to know what the most common causes of house fires are. For your preparation, we've organized a collection of the most common causes of house fires.
Not Paying Attention When Cooking
Making meals in the home is one of the major culprits to house fires, especially when no one is there to keep an eye on the kitchen. A lot of properties have been in need of fire remediation services because of food being left on the stove with no one to monitor it. If you need to leave the kitchen for any reason, make sure someone else is there to look after the cooking.
Appliances Using Electricity
Appliances that use an electrical current, such as coffee makers and microwaves need to be monitored and put in locations that aren't risky. If any of your electrical devices have a bad cord, then they are a fire risk. Regularly verify your electrical outlets are not being overused.
Candles Left Ignited
Candles are charming objects to have around the home. Although they make for great decorations, they are also an extreme risk for fire. Make sure to extinguish your candles before departing the room, and place them in a location where they won't fall over or ignite other objects around them.
Smoking in Your Residence
Cigarettes have been a fire hazard for a long time, because they can keep burning for a few hours, and if they come into contact with anything flammable, you can have a major issue on your hands. Smoking outside is the best method to stay away from this accident.
A Property with Bad Wiring
Any electrical complications in your house, such as damaged wiring, can expose your property to fire. This presents an issue because it's not in plain sight, but there are some things you can watch out for to recognize any faulty wiring in your residence:
- Your lights dim when another appliance is in use
- You have to disconnect something in order for an appliance to work
- Your circuit trips frequently
If you notice any of these things, contact an expert electrician or call your landlord to resolve the problem.
Barbecue Equipment
For most individuals, a grill is a part of their property for the summer months. Remember, it's vital that your barbecue isn't nearby anything that can catch on fire from it. Cleaning your grill is also crucial because the buildup in it can be a fire hazard. Inspecting your gas bottle routinely is another essential step in securing your safety.
Children
Fire is enticing for a child's curiosity, and that's why it's important to take every precaution. Keep any matches or lighters out of reach or hidden to prevent an accident from taking place. Take extra steps and make sure your kids know how to clear the area and that they know their address if they need to call 911.
Liquids That Are Combustible
Before storing your liquids, read the label to make sure the substance isn't a fire hazard, otherwise don't store them by a heat source.
Having a Christmas Tree in Your Property
Christmas trees provide holiday cheer into the house, but they are also a danger for home fires. If you like having a live tree, you should cut off an inch from the trunk so the tree has the ability to absorb water. You should also be diligent about making sure your tree is watered and hydrated. Before turning in for the night, check to see that your Christmas lights are turned off too. Also, you could purchase an artificial tree to avoid the risk altogether.
Not Cleaning Out the Lint Trap
Fires produced from dryers are quite common, and that's why it's integral to keep them maintained. To prevent your residence from needing fire remediation services, always clean out the lint trap before using it again, and examine the dryer duct consistently because lint can get stuck in there as well.
Avoid Fire Damage to Your Property
It's difficult to get rid of all possible risks for fire, but understanding the most common causes of house fires can remove your risk substantially. If you have experienced any fire damage to your house, don't hesitate to call an expert that offers fire remediation services, like Paul Davis. We are a fire damage restoration company that can have your property recovered back to its previous state.
