What is the Most Common Cause of a House Fire - Fire Damage Remediation
Fire damage occurs to houses quite often, and they can be an alarming thing to deal with. The National Fire Protection Association has documented that more than 300,000 houses in America come across fire damage annually. Along with these numbers, businesses like Paul Davis have supplied fire damage remediation services for many properties. The feasibility of a house fire shouldn't be left unnoticed, and that's why it's important to understand what the most common causes of house fires are. We've arranged a list of the most common fire hazards so that you can counter a fire from occurring in your home.
Leaving Food in the Oven
Cooking is one of the most common causes of house fires, and a fire usually happens when the stove is neglected. Many fire clean up services have been necessary because of unattended cooking. It's critical to wait in the kitchen while cooking, or to have someone to keep an eye on it if you leave the room.
Electrical Devices
Your appliances that use electricity can act as a fire risk. Check your appliances to see if any of the cords are worn out, because that poses a great risk for fire. Always make sure your electrical outlets are not crowded.
Candles in Your House
One of the more great pieces to place around the home are candles. Even though they make for fashionable decorations, they are also an extreme risk for fire. Keep your candles away from potential fire hazards such as books, papers and draperies, and always blow them out when you leave the room.
Cigarettes
When it comes to fire hazards, cigarettes are dangerous on account of they can drop on the ground and stay lit for a few hours. Smoking outdoors is the best approach to stay away from this hazard.
A Residence with Defective Wiring
Properties with damaged wiring produce electrical problems which can lead to a house fire. Defective wiring is troublesome because you can't always see it, but here are a few 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 a professional electrician or contact your landlord to fix the issue.
Barbecue Equipment
Having a barbecue may be a main part of your home, and they're an excellent thing to have during the summer months. However, check that it's not near your home or any plants and trees. Also, keep it cleaned and maintained regularly, because the buildup that occurs in your barbecue can be a fire risk. Additionally, you need to examine the gas bottle regularly for leaks or other possible issues.
Curious Kids in the House
Fire is enticing for a child's curiosity, and that's why you need to take every precaution. Keep any matches or lighters out of reach or hidden to prevent a calamity from happening. Take extra steps and ensure your kids understand how to clear the area and that they know their address if they need to call 911.
Combustible Liquids
When you're storing your liquids, always check the label to make sure the substance isn't a fire hazard, otherwise don't keep them by a heat source.
Christmas Tree
Christmas trees provide holiday joy into the home, but they are also a risk for home fires. Cutting a small section from the trunk will allow your tree to absorb water, and this should be done before it goes in the tree stand. Watering your tree frequently and keeping it hydrated is also an important step. One more task you should complete is turning off your Christmas lights when you go to sleep. Also, you could purchase an artificial tree to avoid the risk altogether.
Lint Traps
Fires caused from dryers are very frequent, and that's why it's integral to keep them clean. To prevent your home from needing fire restoration services, always clean out the lint trap before using it again, and check the dryer duct consistently because lint can get stuck in there often.
Preventing Fire Damage
It's impossible to remove all potential fire hazards, but understanding the most typical causes of house fires can eliminate your risk substantially. If you have experienced any fire damage to your house, don't hesitate to call a professional that offers fire restoration services, like Paul Davis. We are fire restoration contractors that can have your property recovered back to its previous state.
