Fire Damage Clean Up - The Most Common Factor of House Fires
House fires are scary, and they transpire more regularly than people might think. The National Fire Protection Association has reported that there are more than 300,000 house fires annually in the United States, and they are liable for the deaths and injuries of both civilians and firefighters. Along with these statistics, businesses like Paul Davis have provided fire clean up services for many properties. It's necessary to understand the most common ways a house fire is caused, because any probability for fire shouldn't be disregarded. To ensure your preparedness, we've composed a collection of the most common causes of house fires.
Getting Distracted in the Kitchen
Cooking is one of the main causes of house fires, and a fire often flares up when the stove is neglected. Many fire damage repairs have been necessary because of unattended cooking. If you need to exit the kitchen for any reason, make sure another person is there to look after the cooking.
Your Electrical Accessories
Appliances that use electricity, such as coffee makers and microwaves need to be monitored and put in areas that aren't risky. If any of your electrical appliances have a worn out cord, then they are a fire hazard. Always verify your electrical outlets are not overloaded.
Candles in Your Property
Candles are charming things to keep around the house. Despite the fact they make for ornate decorations, they are also a primary risk for fire. Make sure to extinguish your candles before leaving the room, and place them in an area where they won't fall or burn other things around them.
Cigarettes Indoors
Cigarettes have been a fire hazard for years, because they can stay lit for a few hours, and if they come into contact with anything flammable, you can have a severe problem on your hands. Leaving your home to smoke is the best way to avoid this risk.
Electrical Problems Faulty Wiring
Any electrical issues in your house, such as faulty wiring, can put your property at risk for fire. Faulty wiring is troublesome 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 your dilemma, fix the problem and reach out to an electrician or call your landlord.
BBQ Equipment
For most individuals, a grill is a part of their property for the summer. Remember, it's necessary that your barbecue isn't nearby anything that can catch on fire from it. Maintaining your grill is also crucial since the buildup in it can put you at risk of fire. Additionally, you need to check the gas bottle regularly for leaks or other potential issues.
Children's Curiosity
Kids are naturally curious, and fire can be intriguing for them. Keep any matches or lighters out of reach or hidden to avoid a calamity from taking effect. Take added steps and ensure your kids understand how to clear the area and that they know their address if they need to call 911.
Liquids That Are Flammable
When you're storing your liquids, always read the label to make sure the contents aren't a fire hazard, otherwise don't store them next to a heat source.
Christmas Trees During December
Christmas trees bring holiday cheer into the house, but they are also a big fire hazard. Cutting an inch from the trunk will let your tree soak up water, and this should be done before it goes in the tree stand. Watering your tree frequently and keeping it hydrated is also a vital step. Before turning in for the night, check to see that your Christmas lights are turned off as well. Also, you could buy an artificial tree to refrain from the fire hazard altogether.
Dryers Not Being Cleaned
Fires caused from dryers are rather frequent, and that's why it's important to keep them clean. To prevent your residence from needing fire damage cleaning services, always clean out the lint trap before using it again, and examine the dryer duct periodically because lint can get stuck in there often.
Prevention
It's difficult to get rid of all possible fire hazards, but knowing the most frequent causes of house fires can eradicate your risk significantly. If you have experienced any fire damage to your house, don't wait to call an expert that provides fire damage cleaning services, like Paul Davis. We are a fire damage restoration company that can get your house recovered back to its previous state.
