What is the Most Common Cause of a House Fire - Fire Damage Remediation
Fire damage happens to houses quite regularly, and they can be a frightening thing to deal with. The National Fire Protection Association has documented that more than 300,000 houses throughout the United States come across fire damage annually. Along with this data, businesses like Paul Davis have given fire clean up services for many houses. The possibility of a house fire shouldn't be ignored, and that's why it's good to know what the most common causes of house fires are. We've arranged a list of the most common fire hazards so that you can avert a fire from happening in your home.
Forgetting Food in the Oven
Cooking is one of the main causes of house fires, and a fire often happens when the stove is neglected. Many fire damage repairs have been necessary because of unattended cooking. If it's necessary for you to retire from the kitchen for any reason, make sure another person is there to look after the cooking.
Electrical Current & Your Accessories
Appliances that use electricity, such as toasters and portable heaters need to be checked up on and put in areas that aren't risky. If any of your electrical gear has a bad cord, then they are a fire risk. Consistently make sure your electrical outlets are not being overused.
Candles Left Ignited
One of the more nice items to keep around the home are candles. They look great and make your home aromatic, but they are also a major risk for fire. Make sure to blow out your candles before leaving the room, and put them in an area where they won't fall or ignite other things around them.
Smoking Indoors
Cigarettes have been a fire hazard for a long time, 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 outside is an excellent way to avoid this hazard.
Defective Wiring
Any electrical complications in your home, such as damaged wiring, can put your property at risk for fire. This poses an issue because it's not in plain sight, but there are some things you can look out for to identify any faulty wiring in your home:
- 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 problem and get an electrician or contact your landlord.
Barbecues & Grills
Having a grill may be a fundamental part of your home, and they're a fine thing to have throughout the summer. Nevertheless, make sure it's not near your house or any plants and trees. Cleaning your barbecue is also necessary because the buildup in it can be a fire hazard. Additionally, you need to inspect the gas bottle regularly for leaks or other possible problems.
Curious Children in the House
Fire is enticing for a child's curiosity, and that's why it's important to take every precaution. Keep any matches or lighters out of reach or hidden to avoid an emergency from occurring. Take added precautions and ensure your kids know how to vacate the house and that they know their address if they need to call 911.
Liquids That Are Flammable
Before storing your liquids, read the label to make sure the substance isn't a fire hazard, otherwise don't keep them next to a heat source.
Christmas Trees & Lights
Every December, holiday cheer is provided to the home through Christmas trees along with a possible house fire. Cutting a small section from the trunk will allow your tree to absorb water, and it's necessary to do this before it goes in the tree stand. Watering your tree consistently and keeping it hydrated is also a vital step. One more task you should complete is turning off your Christmas lights when you go to sleep. Also, you could buy an artificial tree to avert the risk altogether.
Clothing Dryers
Fires generated from dryers are rather prevalent, and that's why it's crucial to keep them maintained. To prevent your home from needing fire damage cleaning services, always clean out the lint trap before using it again, and examine the dryer duct consistently because lint can get trapped in there often.
Prevention
It's impossible to remove all potential fire hazards, but knowing the most common causes of house fires can remove your risk substantially. If you have experienced any fire damage to your home, don't wait to call an expert that provides fire damage cleaning services, like Paul Davis. We are a fire damage restoration company that can get your home recovered back to its previous state.
