The Most Common Factors for Fires in Homes

Fire damage occurs to homes quite regularly, and they can be a scary thing to deal with. According to the National Fire Protection Association, there are more than 300,000 house fires annually in the United States, and they are liable for the injuries and deaths of firefighters and civilians. Along with these numbers, businesses like Paul Davis have supplied fire clean up services for many houses. It's necessary to know the most common ways a house fire is caused, because any potential for fire shouldn't be overlooked. For your preparation, we've organized a category of the most common causes of house fires.

Being Distracted in the Kitchen

Cooking is one of the main causes of house fires, and a fire typically ignites when the stove is left alone. Many houses have been in need of fire damage repairs because of food being left on the stove with no one to lookout after it. It's imperative to linger in the kitchen while cooking, or to ask someone to monitor it if you move away from the room.

Electrical Current & Your Devices

Anything that operates using an electrical current in your house can act as a fire hazard. If any of your electrical gear has a bad cord, then they are a fire hazard. Consistently make sure your electrical outlets are not crowded.

Candles in Your Residence

Candles are welcoming items to place around the home. They embellish your space and make your home aromatic, but they are also a major fire hazard. Make sure to extinguish your candles before leaving the room, and place them in an area where they won't fall over or burn other objects around them.

Cigarettes in Your Residence

Cigarettes have been a fire hazard for years, considering they can keep burning for a few hours, and if they come into contact with anything flammable, you can have a big problem on your hands. Smoking outdoors is the best method to avoid this accident.

A Residence with Damaged Wiring

Residences with bad wiring produce electrical problems which can lead to a house fire. This presents an issue since it's not in plain sight, but there are a few things you can look out for to identify any faulty wiring in your home:

• 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 catch any of these things, call an expert electrician or contact your landlord to resolve the issue.

Grills on Your Property

Having a grill may be an essential part of your home, and they're an excellent thing to have during the summer months. Nevertheless, make sure it's not near your home or any plants and trees. Cleaning your grill is also necessary since the buildup in it can put you at risk of fire. Examining your gas bottle routinely is another vital step in ensuring your safety.

Kids

Fire is attractive for the curiosity of a child, and that's why it's crucial to take every precaution. Hide all matches and lighters in your home to keep your children protected. Take additional precautions and make sure your kids know how to clear the area and that they know their address if they need to call 911.

Contents That Are Flammable

When you're storing your liquids, always read the label to make sure the contents aren't flammable, otherwise don't store them next to a heat source.

Having a Christmas Tree in Your Residence

Christmas trees bring holiday festivities into the home, but they are also a big 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 frequently and keeping it hydrated is also an important step. Another thing you should do is turn off your Christmas lights when you go to bed. You could consider purchasing an artificial tree to prevent a fire hazard.

Laundry Appliances

Fires caused from dryers are very prevalent, and that's why it's vital to keep them clean. To prevent your home from needing fire damage cleaning 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.

Fire Damage Prevention to Your Residence

It's impossible to get rid of all possible fire hazards, but understanding the most typical causes of house fires can eradicate 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 have your house brought back to where it was before.