The Most Common Causes for Fires in Homes
Fire damage presents itself to houses quite frequently, and they can be a scary thing to deal with. According to the National Fire Protection Association, there are more than 300,000 house fires annually in the United States, and they are liable for the deaths and injuries of firefighters and civilians. Along with this data, businesses like Paul Davis have given fire clean up services for many houses. It's important to understand the most common ways a house fire is caused, because any potential for fire shouldn't be disregarded. To ensure your preparedness, we've organized a selection of the most common causes of house fires.
Cooking
Preparing meals in the home is one of the prime culprits to house fires, especially when no one is there to keep an eye on the kitchen. Many fire damage repairs have been necessary because of neglected activities in the kitchen. It's a good idea to stay in the kitchen while preparing your meals, or to have someone to keep an eye on it if you exit the room.
Electrical Current & Your Devices
Appliances that use an electrical current, such as coffee makers and microwaves should be watched after and put in locations that aren't risky. If any of your electrical devices have a worn out cord, then they are a fire hazard. Always verify your electrical outlets are not being overused.
Candles in Your Property
One of the more fun items to have around the house are candles. While they make for great decorations, they are also a primary risk for fire. Keep your candles away from possible fire hazards such as books, newspapers and draperies, and always make sure the wick isn't burning when you leave the room.
Cigarettes Inside
Cigarettes have been a fire hazard for a long time, since they can stay lit for a few hours, and if they come into contact with anything flammable, you can have a severe issue on your hands. Exiting your residence to smoke is an excellent approach to bypass an accident from occurring.
A House with Bad Wiring
Residences with damaged wiring create electrical problems which can lead to a house fire. This presents an issue because it's not in plain sight, but there are some things you can look out for to pinpoint any faulty wiring in your house:
- 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 the case for you, resolve the issue and get an electrician or contact your landlord.
Barbecues on Your Property
Having a grill may be a fundamental part of your house, and they're an excellent thing to have during the summer months. Remember, it's critical that your grill isn't near anything that can catch on fire from it. Maintaining your barbecue is also necessary because the buildup in it can put you at risk of fire. Additionally, you should inspect the gas bottle consistently for leaks or other possible problems.
Children's Curiosity
Fire is enticing for a child's curiosity, and that's why it's important to take preventative measures. Keep any matches or lighters out of reach or hidden to avoid a catastrophe from happening. You can also educate them how to handle the incident of a fire and to memorize their address in case they need to call 911.
Storing Flammable Liquids
Specific liquids should be kept away from any source of heat, and you should always check the label to see if they are a risk for fire.
Having a Christmas Tree in Your House
Christmas trees deliver holiday joy into the house, but they are also a big fire hazard. Cutting a small section from the trunk will allow your tree to absorb water, and this should be done before you set it up. Watering your tree consistently and keeping it hydrated is also a necessary step. One more thing you should do is turn off your Christmas lights when you go to sleep. Furthermore, you could buy an artificial tree to refrain from the fire hazard altogether.
Dryer Ducts
Fires caused from dryers are quite common, and that's why it's crucial to keep them maintained. To prevent your house from needing fire damage cleaning 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.
Preventing Fire Damage
It's difficult to remove all possible fire hazards, but understanding the most common causes of house fires can remove your risk substantially. If you have experienced any fire damage to your home, don't hesitate to call a professional that provides fire damage cleaning services, like Paul Davis. We are fire restoration contractors that can get your home recovered back to where it was before.
