The Most Common Cause for Fire Damage Clean Up Services
Fire damage occurs to houses quite regularly, and they can be an alarming thing to deal with. More than 300,000 homes throughout the United States, according to the National Fire Protection Association, suffer from fire damage annually. Fire restoration contractors like Paul Davis have provided many fire restoration services because of this data. The prospect of a house fire shouldn't be disregarded, and that's why it's great to know what the most common causes of house fires are. For your preparation, we've assembled a set of the most common causes of house fires.
Cooking
Making meals in the home is one of the main culprits to house fires, especially when no one is there to monitor the kitchen. A lot of homes have been in need of fire damage repairs because of food being left on the stove with no one to watch it. It's important to remain in the kitchen while cooking, or to ask someone to watch it if you exit the room.
Devices Using Electricity
Anything that needs an electrical current in your house can pose as a fire hazard. Checkup on your appliances to see if any of the cords are damaged, since that is a major risk for fire. Furthermore, what you need to remember is your outlets. You don't want to overload the circuit.
Candles Left Burning
Candles are refreshing pieces to place around the home. They look great and make your home smell nice, but they are also a huge risk for fire. Keep your candles away from probable fire hazards such as magazines, papers and draperies, and always blow them out when you leave the room.
Cigarettes
When it comes to fire hazards, cigarettes are dangerous because they can drop on the ground and burn for a long period of time. Exiting your home to smoke is the best approach to bypass an accident from occurring.
Damaged Wiring
Homes with damaged wiring create electrical issues which can lead to a house fire. Damaged wiring is troublesome because you can't always see it, but here are some things to look 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 detect any of these things, call an experienced electrician or contact your landlord to fix the problem.
BBQ Equipment
For most people, a barbecue is a part of their home for the summer. Remember, it's important that your grill isn't close to anything that can ignite from it. Cleaning your barbecue is also important since the buildup in it can put you at risk of fire. Additionally, you should check the gas bottle regularly for leaks or other possible issues.
Curious Children in the House
Fire is alluring for a child's curiosity, and that's why it's necessary to take every precaution. Keep any matches or lighters out of reach or hidden to prevent a disaster from arising. You can also teach them what to do in the situation of a fire and to memorize their address in case they need to call 911.
Liquids That Are Combustible
Specific liquids should be kept away from any source of heat, and you should always examine the label to see if they are flammable.
Having a Christmas Tree in Your House
Christmas trees bring holiday joy into the home, but they are also a risk for home fires. If you have a live tree, you should cut off an inch from the trunk so the tree is able to absorb water. Watering your tree consistently and keeping it hydrated is also an important step. Before turning in for the night, make sure your Christmas lights are turned off as well. You could consider purchasing an artificial tree to avoid a fire hazard.
Not Cleaning Out the Lint Trap
Fires generated from dryers are very prevalent, and that's why it's important to keep them clean. To prevent your residence from needing fire damage cleaning services, always clean out the lint trap before using it again, and inspect the dryer duct frequently because lint can get stuck in there often.
Prevent Fire Damage to Your House
It's impossible to remove all potential fire hazards, but knowing the most common causes of house fires can eliminate your risk significantly. If you have encountered any fire damage to your house, don't hesitate to call an expert that offers fire damage cleaning services, like Paul Davis. We are fire restoration contractors that can get your home recovered back to where it was before.
