Fire Damage Clean Up - The Most Common Factor of House Fires
Home fires are scary, and they materialize more frequently than people might think. The National Fire Protection Association has chronicled that more than 300,000 houses in America experience fire damage annually. Fire restoration contractors like Paul Davis have completed many fire restoration services because of these statistics. It's important to understand the most common ways a house fire is caused, because any chance for fire shouldn't be ignored. For your preparation, we've assembled a collection of the most common causes of house fires.
Being Distracted from Cooking
Cooking is one of the main causes of house fires, and a fire often flares up when the stove is left alone. Many fire damage repairs have been required because of neglected cooking. It's imperative to wait in the kitchen while preparing your food, or to have someone to watch it if you move away from the room.
Equipment Using Electricity
Anything that operates using an electrical current in your house can pose as a fire hazard. Look over your appliances to see if any of the cords are defective, since that is a great fire hazard. Always confirm that your electrical outlets are not crowded.
Candles in Your Residence
Candles are pleasant materials to place around the home. They are decorative and make your house aromatic, but they are also an extreme fire hazard. Keep your candles away from possible fire hazards such as books, papers and draperies, and always extinguish them when you leave the room.
Cigarettes
Cigarettes have been a fire hazard for decades, because they can stay lit for a few hours, and if they come into contact with anything flammable, you can have a huge issue on your hands. Smoking outside is an excellent method to reduce this risk.
A Property with Damaged Wiring
Properties with faulty wiring create electrical problems which can lead to a house fire. Damaged wiring is problematic 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 issue and get an electrician or contact your landlord.
BBQ Equipment
Having a barbecue may be an essential part of your residence, and they're an excellent thing to have during the summer months. Nevertheless, make sure it's not nearby your home or any plants and trees. Maintaining your barbecue is also important since the buildup in it can put you at risk of fire. Additionally, you need to inspect the gas bottle routinely for leaks or other possible problems.
Children's Curiosity
Children are normally curious, and fire can be intriguing for them. Keep any matches or lighters out of reach or hidden to prevent a calamity from happening. Take additional care and make sure your children understand how to clear the area and that they know their address if they need to call 911.
Flammable Liquids
Certain liquids should be stored away from any heat source, and you should always look through the label to see if they are a risk for fire.
Christmas Trees During the Winter
Every winter, holiday cheer is brought into the home through Christmas trees along with a potential house fire. Cutting a small section from the trunk will let your tree soak up water, and this should be done before you set it up. Watering your tree regularly and keeping it hydrated is also an essential step. Before going to bed for the evening, check to see that your Christmas lights are turned off too. Furthermore, you could get an artificial tree to refrain from the fire hazard altogether.
Dryer Ducts
Fires generated from dryers are rather prevalent, and that's why it's important to keep them clean. To prevent your residence from needing fire clean up services, always clean out the lint trap before using it again, and examine the dryer duct periodically because lint can get stuck in there often.
Avoiding Fire Damage
It's difficult to get rid of all potential risks for fire, but knowing the most frequent causes of house fires can eradicate your risk substantially. If you have experienced any fire damage to your house, don't hesitate to call an expert that provides fire clean up services, like Paul Davis. We are a fire restoration company that can have your residence brought back to its previous state.
