What is the Most Common Cause of a Home Fire - Fire Damage Remediation
Home fires can be alarming, and they occur more regularly than people might think. Based off information 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. Along with this data, businesses like Paul Davis have given fire clean up services for many properties. The likelihood of a house fire shouldn't be left unnoticed, and that's why it's great to know what the most common causes of house fires are. To ensure your preparedness, we've composed a selection of the most common causes of house fires.
Forgetting Food in the Oven
Cooking is one of the most common causes of house fires, and a fire often flares up when the stove is left alone. A lot of properties have been in need of fire damage repairs because of food being left on the stove with no one to monitor it. It's necessary to linger in the kitchen while preparing your meals, or to ask someone to watch it if you leave the room.
Electrical Current & Your Equipment
Appliances that use electricity, such as toasters and portable heaters should be checked up on and put in locations that aren't risky. Review your appliances to see if any of the cords are faulty, because that is a great risk for fire. Another thing to be cautious about is your outlets. You don't want to overload the circuit.
Candles in Your Room
Candles are refreshing things to place around the house. They are decorative and make your house aromatic, but 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.
Smoking Indoors
Cigarettes have been a fire hazard for decades, since they can keep burning for a few hours, and if they come into contact with anything flammable, you can have a major issue on your hands. Smoking outside is an excellent idea to avoid this risk.
Electrical Problems Damaged Wiring
Homes with faulty wiring create electrical problems which can lead to a house fire. Damaged 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 you detect any of these things, contact an experienced electrician or contact your landlord to resolve the issue.
Barbecue Equipment
For most people, a grill is a part of their residence for the summer months. However, make sure it's not near your house or any plants and trees. Also, have it cleaned and maintained frequently, because the buildup that occurs in your grill can be a fire risk. Examining your gas bottle on a regular basis is another essential step in establishing your safety.
Kids
Fire is enticing for the curiosity of a child, and that's why you need to take preventative measures. Hide all matches and lighters in your home to keep your children protected. You can also educate them how to handle the incident of a fire and to memorize their address in the event they need to call 911.
Contents That Are Combustible
Certain liquids should be stored away from any heat source, and you should always examine the label to see if they are a risk for fire.
Christmas Trees in the House
Christmas trees bring holiday festivities into the house, but they are also a huge fire hazard. Cutting a small section from the trunk will let your tree absorb water, and it's necessary to do this before you set it up. Watering your tree regularly and keeping it hydrated is also a necessary step. Before turning in for the night, check to see that your Christmas lights are turned off as well. You could favor getting an artificial tree to rule out a fire hazard.
Lint Traps
Fires caused from dryers are very frequent, and that's why it's integral to keep them clean. To prevent your house from needing fire clean up services, always clean out the lint trap before using it again, and inspect the dryer duct regularly because lint can get stuck in there often.
Prevent Fire Damage to Your Residence
It's difficult to get rid of all possible risks for fire, but understanding the most frequent causes of house fires can remove your risk significantly. If you have experienced any fire damage to your house, don't hesitate to call a professional that provides fire clean up services, like Paul Davis. We are a fire restoration company that can get your residence restored back to its previous state.
