The Most Common Cause for Fire Damage Restoration Services
Fire damage presents itself to houses quite regularly, and they can be a frightening thing to deal with. The National Fire Protection Association has listed that more than 300,000 houses across the United States encounter fire damage annually. Along with these statistics, businesses like Paul Davis have supplied fire clean up services for many properties. The likelihood of a house fire shouldn't be ignored, and that's why it's important to understand what the most common causes of house fires are. We've listed out the most common fire risks so that you can halt a fire from occurring in your home.
Leaving Food on the Stove
Cooking is one of the primary causes of house fires, and a fire usually flares up when the stove is isn't being watched. Many fire damage repairs have been required because of unattended cooking. It's imperative to linger in the kitchen while preparing your meals, or to have someone to keep an eye on it if you retire from the room.
Appliances Using Electricity
Electrical appliances, such as toasters and portable heaters need to be checked up on and put in locations that aren't risky. Review your appliances to see if any of the cords are malfunctioning, since that is a major fire hazard. Another thing to remember is your outlets. For your safety, limit what you plug into them.
Candles in Your House
One of the more pleasant pieces to have around the home are candles. They look great and make your home smell nice, but they are also a severe fire hazard. Keep your candles away from likely fire hazards such as magazines, newspapers and draperies, and always make sure the wick isn't burning when you leave the room.
Cigarettes Indoors
Cigarettes have been a fire hazard for a long time, considering they can keep burning for a few hours, and if they come into contact with anything flammable, you can have a severe problem on your hands. Smoking outside is the best method to reduce this accident.
Faulty Wiring
Any electrical issues in your residence, such as faulty wiring, can expose your property to fire. Faulty wiring is troublesome because you can't always see it, but here are a few things to look out for:
- 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 a professional electrician or call your landlord to fix the problem.
Grills
Having a barbecue may be a fundamental part of your residence, and they're an excellent thing to have during the summer. Remember, it's critical that your barbecue isn't close to anything that can catch on fire from it. Also, keep it cleaned and maintained regularly, since the buildup that occurs in your barbecue can be a fire hazard. Additionally, you need to examine the gas bottle routinely for leaks or other possible problems.
Children in the Home
Fire is exciting for the curiosity of a child, and that's why you need to take preventative measures. Keep any matches or lighters out of reach or hidden to avoid an emergency from happening. Take additional protections and ensure your kids understand how to vacate the house and that they know their address if they need to call 911.
Storing Combustible Liquids
When you're storing your liquids, always read the label to make sure the substance isn't flammable, otherwise don't keep them by a heat source.
Christmas Trees During the Winter
Christmas trees bring holiday cheer into the home, but they are also a major fire hazard. Cutting a small section from the base will allow your tree to absorb water, and it's necessary to do this before you set it up. Watering your tree frequently and keeping it hydrated is also a crucial step. Another thing you should do is turn off your Christmas lights when you go to sleep. Also, you could acquire an artificial tree to avert the risk altogether.
Clothing Dryers
Fires generated from dryers are very prevalent, and that's why it's integral to keep them clean. To prevent your residence from needing fire remediation services, always clean out the lint trap before using it again, and check the dryer duct regularly because lint can get stuck in there often.
Avoid Fire Damage to Your Property
It's impossible 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 wait to call an expert that offers fire remediation services, like Paul Davis. We are a fire restoration company that can get your house brought back to where it was before.
