The Most Common Factor for Fire Damage Repair Services
Home fires are a frightening thing, and they happen more often than people might think. The National Fire Protection Association has chronicled that there are more than 300,000 house fires a year in the United States, and they are responsible for the injuries and deaths of both civilians and firefighters. Along with these numbers, businesses like Paul Davis have given fire damage restoration services for many houses. The likelihood of a house fire shouldn't be disregarded, 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 inhibit a fire from taking place in your home.
Not Paying Attention While Cooking
Preparing meals in the house is one of the main culprits to house fires, especially when no one is there to watch the kitchen. A lot of houses have been in need of fire damage restoration services because of food being left on the stove with no one to lookout after it. If you need to exit the kitchen for any reason, make sure another person is there to keep an eye on the cooking.
Accessories Using Electricity
Appliances that use electricity, such as coffee makers and microwaves should be monitored and put in places that aren't risky. Review your appliances to see if any of the cords are damaged, since that poses a great fire hazard. Always verify your electrical outlets are not crowded.
Candles
One of the more fun things to keep around the home are candles. Although they make for fashionable decorations, they are also a major fire hazard. Keep your candles away from likely fire hazards such as books, papers and curtains, and always blow them out when you leave the room.
Smoking Indoors
When it comes to fire hazards, cigarettes are risky because they can fall to the ground and burn for a few hours. Exiting your house to smoke is the best idea to avoid an accident from occurring.
Faulty Wiring
Homes with bad wiring produce electrical problems which can lead to a house fire. This poses an issue since it's not in plain sight, but there are some things you can watch out for to recognize any faulty wiring in your residence:
- 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 call your landlord.
Grills in Your Yard
Having a grill may be a fundamental part of your residence, and they're an excellent thing to have throughout the summer. Yet, make sure it's not near your house or any plants and trees. Cleaning your grill is also critical since the buildup in it can put you at risk of fire. Checking your gas bottle routinely is another essential step in securing your safety.
Children's Curiosity
Fire is intriguing for the curiosity of a child, and that's why it's necessary to take every precaution. Hide all matches and lighters in your home to keep your children protected. Take extra steps and ensure your children understand how to vacate the house and that they know their address if they need to call 911.
Flammable Liquids
Specific liquids should be kept away from any source of heat, and you should always read the label to see if they are a risk for fire.
Christmas Trees & Lights
Christmas trees provide holiday cheer into the home, but they are also a huge fire hazard. If you like having a live tree, it's necessary to cut off an inch from the trunk so the tree is able to absorb water. Watering your tree regularly and keeping it hydrated is also an essential step. Before going to bed for the evening, check to see that your Christmas lights are turned off too. Additionally, you could acquire an artificial tree to refrain from the risk altogether.
Not Cleaning Out the Dryer Duct
Fires caused from dryers are quite frequent, and that's why it's important to keep them maintained. To prevent your residence from needing fire damage cleaning services, always clean out the lint trap before using it again, and examine the dryer duct frequently because lint can get stuck in there often.
Preventing Fire Damage
It's impossible to get rid of all potential risks for fire, but understanding the most frequent causes of house fires can eradicate your risk significantly. If you have encountered any fire damage to your home, don't wait to call a professional that offers fire damage cleaning services, like Paul Davis. We are fire restoration contractors that can get your house recovered back to where it was before.
