The Most Common Factors for Fires in Homes
Fire damage occurs to houses quite frequently, and they can be an alarming thing to deal with. Based off data by 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. Fire damage repair companies like Paul Davis have performed many fire damage cleaning services because of this data. The possibility of a house fire shouldn't be overlooked, and that's why it's necessary to understand what the most common causes of house fires are. To ensure your preparedness, we've assembled a set of the most common causes of house fires.
Leaving Food in the Oven
Making meals in the house is one of the prime culprits to house fires, especially when no one is there to monitor the kitchen. A lot of homes have needed fire clean up services because of food being left on the stove with no one to keep an eye on it. If it's necessary for you to retire from the kitchen for any reason, make sure someone else is there to monitor the cooking.
Electrical Devices
Anything that uses an electrical current in your residence can act as a fire risk. Checkup on your appliances to see if any of the cords are defective, since that is a major risk for fire. Consistently confirm that your electrical outlets are not overloaded.
Candles Left Behind
One of the more nice features to have around the house are candles. While they make for great decorations, they are also an extreme risk for fire. Keep your candles away from potential fire hazards such as magazines, newspapers and draperies, and always make sure the wick isn't burning when you leave the room.
Cigarettes Indoors
When it comes to fire hazards, cigarettes are dangerous since they can fall to the floor and stay lit for a few hours. Smoking outside is the best idea to avoid this risk.
A Home with Defective Wiring
Homes with faulty wiring generate electrical problems which can lead to a house fire. Defective wiring is problematic 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 this is your predicament, resolve the problem and get an electrician or contact your landlord.
Barbecue Equipment
Having a barbecue may be a main part of your property, and they're a wonderful thing to have during the summer. Yet, check that it's not nearby your house or any plants and trees. Cleaning your barbecue is also necessary since the buildup in it can be a fire hazard. Additionally, you should inspect the gas bottle frequently for leaks or other possible problems.
Children's Curiosity
Fire is intriguing for a child's curiosity, and that's why you need to take preventative measures. Keep any matches or lighters out of reach or hidden to prevent an emergency from happening. Take added precautions and ensure your kids understand how to evacuate the house and that they know their address if they need to call 911.
Liquids That Are Combustible
When you're storing your liquids, always examine the label to make sure the substance isn't flammable, otherwise don't store them by a heat source.
Having a Christmas Tree in Your Home
Every winter, holiday joy is delivered to the home through Christmas trees along with a possible house fire. Cutting a small section from the base will allow your tree to absorb water, and it's necessary to do this before it goes in the tree stand. You should also be vigilant about ensuring your tree gets watered and hydrated. Another thing you should do is turn off your Christmas lights when you go to bed. Additionally, you could get an artificial tree to avert the risk altogether.
Dryers
Fires produced from dryers are rather frequent, and that's why it's vital to keep them clean. To prevent your property from needing fire damage cleaning services, always clean out the lint trap before using it again, and check the dryer duct frequently because lint can get trapped in there as well.
Fire Damage Prevention to Your Home
It's impossible to get rid of all potential fire hazards, but knowing the most common causes of house fires can eradicate your risk significantly. If you have encountered any fire damage to your residence, don't wait to call a professional that provides fire damage cleaning services, like Paul Davis. We are a fire damage restoration company that can have your home recovered back to where it was before.
