Fire Damage Repair - The Most Common Factor of House Fires
Home fires are scary, and they happen more regularly than people might think. More than 300,000 homes across the United States, according to the National Fire Protection Association, encounter fire damage annually. Along with these numbers, businesses like Paul Davis have given fire clean up services for many homes. The potential of a house fire shouldn't be overlooked, and that's why it's good to know what the most common causes of house fires are. We've composed a list of the most common fire risks so that you can avert a fire from occurring in your home.
Forgetting Food on the Stove
Cooking is one of the primary causes of house fires, and a fire usually ignites when the stove is left alone. Many fire damage restoration services have been needed because of neglected activities in the kitchen. It's important to stay in the kitchen while cooking, or to get someone to keep an eye on it if you retire from the room.
Electrical Current & Your Appliances
Your electrical equipment and appliances can act as a fire hazard. Look over your appliances to see if any of the cords are worn out, since that poses a major risk for fire. Regularly make sure your electrical outlets are not being overused.
Candles
Candles are refreshing items to have around the home. Although they make for fashionable decorations, they are also a huge risk for fire. Keep your candles away from probable fire hazards such as magazines, newspapers and draperies, and always make sure the wick isn't burning when you leave the room.
Cigarettes Inside
Cigarettes have been a fire hazard for a long time, 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. Smoking outdoors is an excellent way to avoid this risk.
A Property with Faulty Wiring
Any electrical complications in your residence, such as defective 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 watch 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, resolve the problem and get an electrician or contact your landlord.
Barbecue Equipment
For most people, a grill is a part of their residence for the summer. Yet, make sure it's not nearby your home or any plants and trees. Also, keep it cleaned and maintained regularly, since the buildup that collects in your barbecue can be a fire hazard. Examining your gas bottle regularly is another vital step in establishing your safety.
Kids
Children are normally curious, and fire can be alluring to them. Keep any matches or lighters out of reach or hidden to prevent a catastrophe from happening. Take extra care and make sure your children know how to vacate the house and that they know their address if they need to call 911.
Liquids That Are Combustible
Before storing your liquids, examine the label to make sure the substance isn't flammable, otherwise don't keep them next to a heat source.
Christmas Tree
Every December, holiday festivity is delivered to the home through Christmas trees along with a potential house fire. Cutting a small section from the trunk will let your tree soak up water, and this should be done before it is placed in the tree stand. You should also be earnest about ensuring your tree is watered and hydrated. Before turning in for the evening, make sure your Christmas lights are turned off too. You could consider getting an artificial tree to counter a fire hazard.
Lint Traps
Fires caused from dryers are rather common, and that's why it's necessary to keep them clean. To prevent your home from needing fire clean up services, always clean out the lint trap before using it again, and inspect the dryer duct consistently because lint can get trapped in there often.
Prevention
It's impossible to get rid of all possible risks for fire, but knowing the most common causes of house fires can eliminate your risk substantially. If you have experienced any fire damage to your home, don't wait to call an expert that offers fire clean up services, like Paul Davis. We are fire restoration contractors that can have your property brought back to its previous state.
