The Most Common Factor for Fire Damage Repair Services
House fires are a frightening thing, and they materialize more frequently than people might think. 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 firefighters and civilians. Along with these statistics, businesses like Paul Davis have provided fire damage repair services for many houses. The potential of a house fire shouldn't be ignored, and that's why it's good to understand what the most common causes of house fires are. We've compiled a list of the most common fire hazards so that you can halt a fire from taking place in your home.
Being Distracted in the Kitchen
Preparing meals in the home is one of the primary culprits to house fires, especially when no one is there to monitor the kitchen. A lot of houses have needed fire damage repairs because of food being left on the stove with no one to lookout after it. It's necessary to wait in the kitchen while preparing your meals, or to ask someone to watch it if you retire from the room.
Your Electrical Accessories
Any electrical equipment and appliances can act as a fire risk. Look over your appliances to see if any of the cords are defective, because that poses a great risk for fire. Regularly make sure your electrical outlets are not overloaded.
Forgotten Candles
Candles are welcoming objects to place around the home. Even though they make for fashionable decorations, they are also a big risk for fire. Keep your candles away from probable fire hazards such as books, papers and curtains, and always make sure the wick isn't burning when you leave the room.
Cigarettes in Your Residence
When it comes to fire hazards, cigarettes are dangerous because they can drop on the ground and stay lit for a few hours. Exiting your residence to smoke is the best way to bypass this risk.
A House with Defective Wiring
Residences with bad wiring create electrical problems which can lead to a house fire. Defective wiring is puzzling 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 you recognize any of these things, call a professional electrician or call your landlord to fix the issue.
BBQ Equipment
For most people, a grill is a part of their home for the summer months. Remember, it's vital that your barbecue isn't near anything that can ignite from it. Also, have it cleaned and maintained regularly, because the buildup that occurs in your barbecue can be a fire risk. Additionally, you need to inspect the gas bottle routinely for leaks or other potential problems.
Children
Fire is exciting for a child's curiosity, and that's why it's necessary to take every precaution. Keep any matches or lighters out of reach or hidden to prevent an accident from developing. 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.
Liquids That Are Combustible
Before storing your liquids, read the label to make sure the contents aren't flammable, otherwise don't keep them next to a heat source.
Christmas Trees During December
Christmas trees bring holiday joy into the house, but they are also a big fire hazard. If you like having a live tree, it's necessary to cut off a small section from the trunk so the tree can soak up water. Watering your tree consistently and keeping it hydrated is also a vital step. Before going to sleep for the night, make sure your Christmas lights are turned off as well. You could consider purchasing an artificial tree to limit a fire hazard.
Lint Traps
Fires generated from dryers are very prevalent, and that's why it's necessary to keep them clean. To prevent your home from needing fire damage cleaning services, always clean out the lint trap before using it again, and inspect the dryer duct periodically because lint can get trapped in there often.
Avoid Fire Damage to Your House
It's impossible to remove all possible risks for fire, but understanding the most frequent causes of house fires can eliminate your risk significantly. If you have experienced any fire damage to your house, don't hesitate to call a professional that provides fire damage cleaning services, like Paul Davis. We are a fire damage restoration company that can get your residence restored back to its previous state.
