Fire Damage Remediation - The Most Common Factor of House Fires
Fire damage happens to houses quite frequently, and they can be a frightening 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 responsible for the deaths and injuries of firefighters and civilians. Along with this data, businesses like Paul Davis have provided fire clean up services for many houses. It's necessary to understand the most common ways a house fire is caused, because any likelihood for fire shouldn't be disregarded. We've arranged a list of the most common fire threats so that you can inhibit a fire from happening in your home.
Forgetting Food in the Oven
Making meals in the house is one of the main culprits to house fires, especially when no one is there to oversee the activities in the kitchen. A lot of houses have been in need of fire damage repairs because of food being left on the stove with no one to monitor it. It's a good idea to stay in the kitchen while cooking, or to get someone to monitor it if you exit the room.
Electrical Current & Your Accessories
Electrical appliances, such as toasters and portable heaters need to be watched after and put in locations that aren't risky. If any of your electrical devices have a bad cord, then they are a fire risk. Regularly double-check that your electrical outlets are not being overused.
Candles
Candles are charming materials to place around the house. Despite the fact they make for great decorations, they are also an extreme risk for fire. Keep your candles away from possible fire hazards such as books, papers and draperies, and always extinguish them when you leave the room.
Smoking in Your Home
When it comes to fire hazards, cigarettes are risky on account of they can fall to the floor and burn for a long period of time. Departing from your home to smoke is an excellent idea to avert an accident from occurring.
Bad Wiring
Properties with faulty wiring create electrical issues which can lead to a house fire. This presents an issue because it's not in plain sight, but there are a few things you can look out for to identify any faulty wiring in your residence:
- 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 notice any of these things, call an experienced electrician or contact your landlord to fix the issue.
Barbecue Equipment
For most people, a grill is a part of their property for the summer. Remember, it's important that your barbecue isn't in proximity to anything that can ignite from it. Also, keep it cleaned and maintained frequently, because the buildup that occurs in your barbecue can be a fire risk. Additionally, you need to examine the gas bottle frequently for leaks or other possible problems.
Kids in the House
Fire is enticing for a child's curiosity, and that's why you need to take every precaution. Hide all matches and lighters in your home to establish the safety of your children. Take added care and make sure your kids understand how to clear the area and that they know their address if they need to call 911.
Combustible Contents
Specific liquids should be stored away from any source of heat, and you should always look through the label to see if they are a risk for fire.
Christmas Trees in the House
Every winter, holiday festivity is provided to the home through Christmas trees along with a possible house fire. Cutting a small section from the trunk will let your tree absorb water, and this should be done before it is placed in the tree stand. Watering your tree consistently and keeping it hydrated is also an important step. One more task you should complete is turning off your Christmas lights when you go to bed. You could favor purchasing an artificial tree to counter a fire hazard.
Lint Traps
Fires caused from dryers are very common, and that's why it's necessary to keep them clean. To prevent your residence from needing fire remediation services, always clean out the lint trap before using it again, and inspect the dryer duct periodically because lint can get stuck in there as well.
Preventing 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 substantially. If you have experienced any fire damage to your property, don't hesitate to call a professional that provides fire remediation services, like Paul Davis. We are a fire clean up company that can get your residence restored back to its previous state.
