The Most Common Causes for Fires in Houses
Fire damage occurs to houses quite often, and they can be an alarming thing to deal with. 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 provided many fire restoration services because of this data. It's good to know the most common ways a house fire is caused, because any chance for fire shouldn't be neglected. We've listed out the most common fire risks so that you can inhibit a fire from taking place in your home.
Cooking in the Kitchen
Cooking is one of the most common causes of house fires, and a fire usually transpires when the stove is neglected. A lot of homes have been in need of fire damage repairs because of food being left on the stove with no one to lookout after it. If you need to leave the kitchen for any reason, make sure another person is there to keep an eye on the cooking.
Accessories Using Electricity
Your electrical equipment and appliances can act as a fire risk. Look over your appliances to see if any of the cords are worn out, because that poses a major fire hazard. Another thing to remember is your outlets. Don't overload them.
Candles in Your Home
One of the more pleasant features to have around the home are candles. Even though they make for ornate decorations, they are also a primary fire hazard. Make sure to blow out your candles before exiting the room, and put them in a location where they won't fall or burn other things around them.
Smoking in Your Home
When it comes to fire hazards, cigarettes are dangerous because they can drop on the floor and stay lit for a long period of time. Smoking outside is an excellent method to avoid this risk.
A House with Damaged Wiring
Homes with defective 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 a few things you can look out for to identify any faulty wiring in your property:
- 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 catch any of these things, contact a professional electrician or call your landlord to fix the issue.
Barbecues on Your Property
For most individuals, a barbecue is a part of their property for the warmer months. Nevertheless, check that it's not near your house or any plants and trees. Also, have it cleaned and maintained frequently, because the buildup that collects in your barbecue can be a fire risk. Additionally, you should check the gas bottle routinely for leaks or other potential issues.
Curious Children in the House
Fire is attractive for the curiosity of a child, and that's why it's important to take every precaution. Keep any matches or lighters out of reach or hidden to prevent a calamity from occurring. Take added precautions and make sure your kids know how to exit the house and that they know their address if they need to call 911.
Storing Combustible Contents
Before storing your liquids, read the label to make sure the substance isn't flammable, otherwise don't keep them next to a heat source.
Christmas Trees During December
Christmas trees provide holiday cheer into the home, but they are also a huge fire hazard. If you like having a live tree, it's necessary to cut off a small section from the trunk so the tree has the ability to soak up water. You should also be active about watering your tree and keeping it hydrated. One more task you should complete is turning off your Christmas lights when you go to bed. Furthermore, you could procure an artificial tree to avert the risk altogether.
Not Cleaning Out the Dryer Duct
Fires produced from dryers are rather prevalent, and that's why it's important to keep them clean. To prevent your property from needing fire restoration services, always clean out the lint trap before using it again, and examine the dryer duct regularly because lint can get trapped in there often.
Preventing Fire Damage
It's difficult to get rid of all potential risks for fire, but understanding the most common causes of house fires can eradicate your risk substantially. If you have encountered any fire damage to your home, don't hesitate to call an expert that offers fire restoration services, like Paul Davis. We are fire restoration contractors that can have your residence restored back to where it was before.
