What is the Most Common Cause of a House Fire - Fire Damage Remediation
House fires are scary, and they occur more often than people might think. Based off information by the National Fire Protection Association, there are more than 300,000 house fires a year in the United States, and they are liable for the deaths and injuries of firefighters and civilians. Fire restoration companies like Paul Davis have executed many fire damage cleaning services because of this data. It's important to know the most common ways a house fire is caused, because any probability for fire shouldn't be disregarded. To ensure your preparedness, we've arranged a category of the most common causes of house fires.
Not Paying Attention While Cooking
Cooking is one of the primary causes of house fires, and a fire often transpires when the stove is isn't being watched. Many houses have needed fire damage repairs because of food being left on the stove with no one to watch it. It's important to remain in the kitchen while preparing your food, or to have someone to keep an eye on it if you exit the room.
Your Electrical Accessories
Anything that uses electricity in your home can be a fire hazard. Check your appliances to see if any of the cords are damaged, since that is a great risk for fire. Regularly determine that your electrical outlets are not being overused.
Candles Left Neglected
One of the more fun things to keep around the house are candles. They look great and make your house smell nice, but they are also an extreme risk for fire. Make sure to blow out your candles before leaving the room, and place them in an area where they won't fall or burn other objects around them.
Smoking
When it comes to fire hazards, cigarettes are dangerous on account of they can fall to the floor and burn for a long period of time. Exiting your home to smoke is an excellent approach to avoid an accident from happening.
A House with Faulty Wiring
Homes with bad wiring produce electrical issues which can lead to a house fire. Faulty wiring is problematic because you can't always see it, but here are some 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 this is the case for you, fix the issue and reach out to an electrician or contact your landlord.
Barbecues
Having a grill may be a main part of your residence, and they're an excellent thing to have during the summer months. Nevertheless, make sure it's not nearby your home or any plants and trees. Also, have it cleaned and maintained on a regular basis, since the buildup that occurs in your grill can be a fire hazard. Inspecting your gas bottle on a regular basis is another necessary step in securing your safety.
Children's Curiosity
Fire is alluring for the curiosity of a child, and that's why it's necessary to take every precaution. Keep any matches or lighters out of reach or hidden to prevent an emergency from happening. You can also educate them what to do in the circumstance of a fire and to memorize their address in case they need to call 911.
Placing Flammable Contents
Certain liquids should be stored away from any heat source, and you should always read the label to see if they are flammable.
Christmas Trees in the Home
Every December, holiday festivity is provided to the home through Christmas trees along with a probable house fire. Cutting an inch from the base will let your tree absorb water, and this should be done before it goes in the tree stand. You should also be earnest about ensuring your tree is watered and hydrated. One more task you should complete is turning off your Christmas lights when you go to bed. Also, you could procure an artificial tree to avoid the risk altogether.
Laundry Appliances
Fires produced from dryers are rather prevalent, and that's why it's necessary to keep them maintained. To prevent your residence from needing fire restoration services, always clean out the lint trap before using it again, and inspect the dryer duct consistently because lint can get trapped in there as well.
Prevention
It's difficult to remove all possible risks for fire, but understanding the most common causes of house fires can remove your risk significantly. If you have experienced any fire damage to your home, don't wait to call an expert that provides fire restoration services, like Paul Davis. We are fire restoration contractors that can have your home brought back to where it was before.
