The Most Common Factors for Fires in Houses
Fire damage presents itself to houses quite regularly, and they can be an alarming thing to deal with. According to 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 both civilians and firefighters. Fire restoration contractors like Paul Davis have executed many fire clean up services because of this data. It's important to understand the most common ways a house fire is caused, because any chance for fire shouldn't be disregarded. To ensure your preparedness, we've assembled a set of the most common causes of house fires.
Leaving Food in the Oven
Cooking is one of the most common causes of house fires, and a fire typically occurs when the stove is left unattended. Many fire clean up services have been needed because of forgotten activities in the kitchen. It's critical to linger in the kitchen while preparing your food, or to get someone to monitor it if you exit the room.
Your Electrical Accessories
Appliances that use an electrical current, such as coffee makers and microwaves need to be checked up on and put in places that aren't risky. If any of your electrical appliances have a frayed cord, then they are a fire hazard. Consistently verify your electrical outlets are not overloaded.
Neglected Candles
Candles are pleasant materials to have around the house. They embellish your space and make your home aromatic, but they are also an extreme risk for fire. Keep your candles away from possible fire hazards such as books, newspapers and draperies, and always extinguish them when you leave the room.
Smoking
When it comes to fire hazards, cigarettes are risky since they can fall to the ground and burn for a long period of time. Exiting your house to smoke is the best approach to avert an accident from occurring.
A House with Faulty Wiring
Any electrical issues in your house, such as bad wiring, can put your property at risk for 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 this is your dilemma, resolve the issue and get an electrician or call your landlord.
BBQ Equipment
Having a grill may be a fundamental part of your home, and they're an excellent thing to have throughout the summer months. Nevertheless, check that it's not near your house or any plants and trees. Maintaining your grill is also critical since the buildup in it can put you at risk of fire. Inspecting your gas bottle regularly is another essential step in securing your safety.
Kids in the House
Kids are normally curious, and fire can be attractive to them. Keep any matches or lighters out of reach or hidden to prevent a disaster from arising. Take extra care and make sure your children understand how to clear the area 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 contents aren't a fire hazard, otherwise don't keep them by a heat source.
Having a Christmas Tree in Your House
Christmas trees deliver holiday festivities into the home, but they are also a big fire hazard. Cutting an inch from the trunk will allow your tree to absorb water, and this should be done before it goes in the tree stand. Watering your tree frequently and keeping it hydrated is also a necessary step. One more task you should complete is turning off your Christmas lights when you go to sleep. Additionally, you could buy an artificial tree to refrain from the risk altogether.
Clothing Dryers
Fires produced from dryers are quite frequent, and that's why it's necessary to keep them maintained. To prevent your home from needing fire remediation services, always clean out the lint trap before using it again, and inspect the dryer duct regularly because lint can get trapped in there often.
Fire Damage Prevention to Your House
It's difficult to get rid of all potential fire hazards, but understanding the most common causes of house fires can remove your risk substantially. If you have encountered any fire damage to your property, don't wait to call a professional that offers fire remediation services, like Paul Davis. We are a fire damage restoration company that can get your property recovered back to where it was before.
