What is the Most Common Cause of a Home Fire - Fire Damage Repair
Home fires are scary, and they occur more frequently than people might think. Based off data by the National Fire Protection Association, there are more than 300,000 house fires annually in the United States, and they are responsible for the deaths and injuries of both civilians and firefighters. Fire damage repair companies like Paul Davis have executed many fire clean up services because of this data. It's necessary to know the most common ways a house fire is caused, because any chance for fire shouldn't be neglected. We've compiled a list of the most common fire hazards so that you can halt a fire from happening in your home.
Getting Distracted from Cooking
Cooking is one of the primary causes of house fires, and a fire usually happens when the stove is isn't being watched. Many homes have been in need of fire damage restoration services because of food being left on the stove with no one to lookout after it. If you need to exit the kitchen for any reason, make sure another person is there to monitor the cooking.
Electrical Appliances
Electrical appliances, such as toasters and portable heaters should be checked up on and put in places that aren't risky. If any of your electrical gear has a bad cord, then they are a fire risk. Another thing to remember is your outlets. For your safety, limit what you plug into them.
Candles in Your Property
One of the more enjoyable items to place around the house are candles. While they make for great decorations, they are also a severe fire hazard. Make sure to extinguish your candles before departing the room, and place them in an area where they won't fall or ignite other things around them.
Cigarettes Inside
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 severe problem on your hands. Smoking outside is an excellent approach to reduce this accident.
A House with Bad Wiring
Residences with defective wiring produce electrical issues which can lead to a house fire. Bad wiring is difficult 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 get an electrician or call your landlord.
Barbecues & Grills
For most individuals, a barbecue is a part of their home for the summer. Yet, make sure it's not in proximity to your home or any plants and trees. Also, have it cleaned and maintained on a regular basis, since the buildup that collects in your grill can be a fire risk. Additionally, you should examine the gas bottle consistently for leaks or other potential problems.
Children
Fire is intriguing for a child's curiosity, and that's why it's crucial to take preventative measures. Keep any matches or lighters out of reach or hidden to prevent an accident from arising. You can also teach them what to do in the circumstance of a fire and to memorize their address in case they need to call 911.
Contents That Are Flammable
Certain liquids should be stored away from any heat source, and you should always read the label to see if they are a risk for fire.
Christmas Trees & Lights
Every winter, holiday festivity is provided to the home through Christmas trees along with a viable house fire. If you have a live tree, it's necessary to cut off an inch from the trunk so the tree has the ability to soak up water. Watering your tree regularly and keeping it hydrated is also a crucial step. One more thing you should do is turn off your Christmas lights when you go to sleep. Additionally, you could procure an artificial tree to avoid the fire hazard altogether.
Dryers Not Being Maintained
Fires produced from dryers are rather frequent, and that's why it's vital to keep them clean. To prevent your house from needing fire damage cleaning 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.
Avoiding Fire Damage
It's impossible to get rid of all possible fire hazards, but understanding the most frequent causes of house fires can eradicate your risk significantly. If you have experienced any fire damage to your property, don't wait to call a professional that offers fire damage cleaning services, like Paul Davis. We are a fire restoration company that can get your house restored back to where it was before.
