The Most Common Factors for Fires in Houses
Home fires are a frightening thing, and they happen more often than people might think. The National Fire Protection Association has documented that there are more than 300,000 house fires a year in the United States, and they are liable for the deaths and injuries of firefighters and civilians. Fire clean up companies like Paul Davis have done many fire clean up services because of this data. It's necessary to know the most common ways a house fire is caused, because any chance for fire shouldn't be overlooked. We've listed out the most common fire threats so that you can prevent a fire from occurring in your home.
Cooking in the Kitchen
Preparing meals in the house is one of the main culprits to house fires, especially when no one is there to oversee the actions in the kitchen. Many fire damage repairs have been needed because of neglected activities in the kitchen. It's important to remain in the kitchen while cooking, or to ask someone to watch it if you exit the room.
Electrical Current & Your Devices
Appliances that use electricity, such as coffee makers and microwaves should be checked up on and put in areas that aren't risky. Review your appliances to see if any of the cords are faulty, since that poses a major fire hazard. Also, what you need to keep in mind is your outlets. For your safety, restrict what you plug into them.
Candles in Your Home
One of the more fun items to place around the house are candles. Although they make for ornate decorations, they are also a huge fire hazard. Keep your candles away from possible fire hazards such as magazines, papers and draperies, and always make sure the wick isn't burning when you leave the room.
Cigarettes Indoors
Cigarettes have been a fire hazard for years, because they can stay lit for a few hours, and if they come into contact with anything flammable, you can have a big problem on your hands. Smoking outdoors is the best idea to avoid this accident.
Electrical Issues Damaged Wiring
Any electrical complications in your home, such as bad wiring, can put your property at risk for fire. Damaged wiring is puzzling because you can't always see it, but here are some things to watch 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 you recognize any of these things, call an expert electrician or call your landlord to resolve the issue.
BBQs & Grills
For most people, a grill is a part of their property for the summer. Nevertheless, make sure it's not near your house or any plants and trees. Maintaining your grill is also important since the buildup in it can be a fire hazard. Additionally, you should inspect the gas bottle routinely for leaks or other possible issues.
Curious Children in the Home
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 your home to keep your children secure. You can also train them what to do in the incident of a fire and to memorize their address in the event they need to call 911.
Contents That Are Combustible
Before storing your liquids, read the label to make sure the contents aren't a fire hazard, otherwise don't store them by a heat source.
Christmas Trees in the Home
Every December, holiday cheer is brought into the home through Christmas trees along with a potential house fire. Cutting an inch from the base will let your tree soak up water, and it's necessary to do this before it goes in the tree stand. Watering your tree regularly and keeping it hydrated is also a vital step. Before turning in for the night, make sure your Christmas lights are turned off too. Additionally, you could purchase an artificial tree to avert the fire hazard altogether.
Not Cleaning Out the Lint Trap
Fires caused from dryers are rather frequent, and that's why it's important to keep them clean. To prevent your house from needing fire remediation 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.
Prevention
It's impossible to get rid of all potential risks for fire, but understanding the most frequent causes of house fires can remove your risk significantly. If you have experienced any fire damage to your property, don't wait to call a professional that offers fire remediation services, like Paul Davis. We are a fire damage restoration company that can have your house brought back to its previous state.
