What is the Most Common Cause of a Home Fire - Fire Damage Remediation
Fire damage presents itself to houses quite regularly, and they can be an alarming thing to deal with. The National Fire Protection Association has documented that there are more than 300,000 house fires annually in the United States, and they are liable for the injuries and deaths of firefighters and civilians. Fire restoration contractors like Paul Davis have completed many fire restoration services because of this data. The potential of a house fire shouldn't be disregarded, and that's why it's good to know what the most common causes of house fires are. We've listed out the most common fire hazards so that you can avert a fire from occurring in your home.
Forgetting Food in the Oven
Making meals in the house is one of the primary culprits to house fires, especially when no one is there to watch the kitchen. Many fire damage restoration services have been required because of forgotten activities in the kitchen. If it's necessary for you to move away from the kitchen for any reason, make sure another person is there to keep an eye on the cooking.
Your Electrical Devices
Your electrical equipment and appliances can be a fire hazard. Check your appliances to see if any of the cords are bad, because that is a great fire hazard. Consistently verify your electrical outlets are not overloaded.
Candles in Your House
Candles are charming pieces to place around the house. Even though they make for fashionable decorations, they are also a major fire hazard. Make sure to extinguish your candles before departing the room, and put them in an area where they won't fall or ignite other objects around them.
Cigarettes
When it comes to fire hazards, cigarettes are risky on account of they can fall to the ground and burn for a long period of time. Smoking outside is the best way to stay away from this risk.
Electrical Problems Bad Wiring
Residences with defective wiring create electrical problems which can lead to a house fire. Bad wiring is problematic 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 predicament, resolve the issue and get an electrician or contact your landlord.
BBQ Equipment
Having a grill may be a fundamental part of your property, and they're an excellent thing to have during the summer months. Remember, it's necessary that your grill isn't in proximity to anything that can catch on fire from it. Also, keep it cleaned and maintained frequently, because the buildup that occurs in your grill can be a fire hazard. Inspecting your gas bottle regularly is another necessary step in ensuring your safety.
Children
Fire is enticing for the curiosity of a child, and that's why you need to take preventative measures. Hide all matches and lighters in the house to secure the safety of your children. Take added protections 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 Flammable
When you're storing your liquids, always examine the label to make sure the substance isn't a fire hazard, otherwise don't store them by a heat source.
Christmas Trees in the Home
Every winter, holiday joy is brought into the home through Christmas trees along with a viable house fire. Cutting an inch from the trunk will let your tree soak up water, and it's necessary to do this before it goes in the tree stand. You should also be attentive about ensuring your tree is watered and hydrated. Another task you should complete is turning off your Christmas lights when you go to bed. You could favor acquiring an artificial tree to counter a fire hazard.
Not Cleaning Out the Dryer Duct
Fires produced from dryers are very common, and that's why it's vital to keep them maintained. To prevent your property from needing fire clean up services, always clean out the lint trap before using it again, and examine the dryer duct regularly because lint can get stuck in there often.
Avoiding Fire Damage
It's difficult to get rid of all possible risks for fire, but understanding the most frequent causes of house fires can eliminate your risk substantially. If you have experienced any fire damage to your house, don't wait to call an expert that offers fire clean up services, like Paul Davis. We are a fire clean up company that can get your property recovered back to its previous state.
