The Most Common Factors for Fires in Homes
Home fires are a frightening thing, and they happen more frequently 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 responsible for the injuries and deaths of firefighters and civilians. Professional fire damage restoration companies like Paul Davis have completed many fire restoration services because of these statistics. The prospect of a house fire shouldn't be disregarded, and that's why it's necessary to know what the most common causes of house fires are. We've listed out the most common fire threats so that you can halt a fire from taking place in your home.
Cooking in the Kitchen
Preparing meals in the home is one of the prime culprits to house fires, especially when no one is there to watch the kitchen. A lot of houses have been in need of fire clean up services because of food being left on the stove with no one to watch it. If it's necessary for you to retire from the kitchen for any reason, make sure someone else is there to keep an eye on the cooking.
Electrical Current & Your Appliances
Anything that needs electricity in your property can act as a fire hazard. If any of your electrical appliances have a frayed cord, then they are a fire risk. Always double-check that your electrical outlets are not being overused.
Candles in Your Residence
Candles are delightful items to keep around the home. They embellish your space and make your home fragrant, but they are also an extreme risk for fire. Make sure to put out your candles before leaving the room, and put them in an area where they won't fall or ignite other objects around them.
Cigarettes
Cigarettes have been a fire hazard for decades, since 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 outdoors is an excellent idea to avoid this risk.
Electrical Issues Damaged Wiring
Homes with faulty wiring create electrical problems which can lead to a house fire. This poses 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 home:
- 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 get an electrician or call your landlord.
Barbecues & Grills
Having a barbecue may be an essential part of your home, and they're a wonderful thing to have during the summer. Remember, it's imperative that your barbecue isn't near anything that can catch on fire from it. Maintaining your grill is also critical because the buildup in it can put you at risk of fire. Additionally, you should check the gas bottle routinely for leaks or other potential problems.
Kids
Fire is exciting for a child's curiosity, and that's why you need to take every precaution. Hide all matches and lighters in your home to keep your children safe. You can also teach them how to deal with the situation of a fire and to memorize their address in the event they need to call 911.
Combustible Liquids
When you're storing your liquids, always check the label to make sure the substance isn't a fire hazard, otherwise don't store them next to a heat source.
Christmas Tree
Christmas trees provide holiday festivities into the home, but they are also a big fire hazard. If you like having a live tree, you should cut off a small section from the trunk so the tree can absorb water. Watering your tree frequently and keeping it hydrated is also an essential step. One more thing you should do is turn off your Christmas lights when you go to sleep. You could favor getting an artificial tree to avoid a fire hazard.
Dryer Ducts
Fires caused from dryers are very common, and that's why it's important to keep them maintained. To prevent your home from needing fire restoration services, always clean out the lint trap before using it again, and check the dryer duct frequently because lint can get trapped in there as well.
Prevent Fire Damage to Your Property
It's impossible to get rid of all potential 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 property, don't hesitate to call a professional that provides fire restoration services, like Paul Davis. We are a fire clean up company that can get your home restored back to where it was before.
