The Most Common Factor for Fire Damage Repair Services
House fires are a frightening thing, and they materialize more regularly than people might think. Based off data by the National Fire Protection Association, there are more than 300,000 house fires a year in the United States, and they are responsible for the injuries and deaths of firefighters and civilians. Along with these statistics, businesses like Paul Davis have provided fire damage restoration services for many properties. It's important to understand the most common ways a house fire is caused, because any probability for fire shouldn't be ignored. We've composed a list of the most common fire risks so that you can inhibit a fire from occurring in your home.
Cooking in the Kitchen
Cooking is one of the primary causes of house fires, and a fire typically occurs when the stove is left alone. Many fire damage repairs have been necessary because of neglected activities in the kitchen. If it's necessary for you to leave the kitchen for any reason, make sure another person is there to oversee the cooking.
Your Electrical Appliances
Appliances that use electricity, such as toasters and portable heaters need to be monitored and put in locations that aren't risky. If any of your electrical equipment has a worn out cord, then they are a fire hazard. Another thing to recognize is your outlets. You don't want to overload the circuit.
Candles in Your Room
Candles are nice materials to place around the home. They look great and make your home fragrant, but they are also an extreme risk for fire. Keep your candles away from probable fire hazards such as magazines, papers and draperies, and always make sure the wick isn't burning when you leave the room.
Cigarettes Inside
When it comes to fire hazards, cigarettes are risky because they can fall to the ground and stay lit for a long period of time. Departing from your residence to smoke is an excellent way to avoid this risk.
Defective Wiring
Properties with bad wiring produce electrical problems which can lead to a house fire. This poses a problem because it's not in plain sight, but there are some things you can watch out for to pinpoint any faulty wiring in your property:
- 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 call your landlord to resolve the issue.
Grills in Your Yard
For most individuals, a barbecue is a part of their property for the summer months. Yet, check that it's not nearby your home or any plants and trees. Maintaining your barbecue is also important because the buildup in it can put you at risk of fire. Examining your gas bottle regularly is another necessary step in securing your safety.
Children
Fire is exciting for the curiosity of a child, and that's why it's necessary to take preventative measures. Hide all matches and lighters in your home to establish the safety of your children. You can also train them how to deal with the incident of a fire and to memorize their address in the event they need to call 911.
Storing Combustible Liquids
When you're storing your liquids, always examine the label to make sure the substance isn't flammable, otherwise don't keep them next to a heat source.
Christmas Trees & Lights
Christmas trees bring holiday festivities into the home, but they are also a big fire hazard. If you have a live tree, it's necessary to cut off a small section from the trunk so the tree can absorb water. You should also be earnest about watering your tree and keeping it hydrated. Before going to bed for the evening, check to see that your Christmas lights are turned off as well. You could consider acquiring an artificial tree to avoid a fire hazard.
Dryer Ducts
Fires caused from dryers are quite frequent, and that's why it's critical to keep them clean. To prevent your property from needing fire remediation services, always clean out the lint trap before using it again, and inspect the dryer duct frequently because lint can get trapped in there as well.
Prevention
It's difficult to remove all possible fire hazards, but knowing the most frequent causes of house fires can eradicate your risk significantly. If you have encountered any fire damage to your residence, don't wait to call an expert that provides fire remediation services, like Paul Davis. We are fire restoration contractors that can have your property recovered back to where it was before.
