The Most Common Factors for Fires in Homes
Home fires are scary, and they materialize more often than people might think. More than 300,000 homes throughout the United States, according to the National Fire Protection Association, come across fire damage annually. Fire damage restoration companies 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. To better prepare yourself, we've arranged a collection of the most common causes of house fires.
Cooking
Cooking is one of the main causes of house fires, and a fire usually happens when the stove is neglected. A lot of homes have needed fire remediation services because of food being left on the stove with no one to lookout after it. It's critical to wait in the kitchen while preparing your food, or to ask someone to watch it if you move away from the room.
Your Electrical Equipment
Your electrical equipment and appliances can pose as a fire hazard. If any of your electrical devices have a frayed cord, then they are a fire hazard. Furthermore, what you need to recognize is your outlets. Don't overload them.
Forgotten Candles
Candles are charming materials to have around the house. Even though they make for fashionable decorations, they are also a huge fire hazard. Keep your candles away from potential fire hazards such as magazines, papers and draperies, and always extinguish them when you leave the room.
Smoking
Cigarettes have been a fire hazard for years, because they can stay lit for a few hours, and if they come into contact with anything flammable, you can have a major problem on your hands. Departing from your residence to smoke is the best approach to avert an accident from occurring.
A Property with Bad Wiring
Residences with faulty wiring produce electrical problems which can lead to a house fire. Bad wiring is puzzling because you can't always see it, but here are some 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 notice any of these things, contact a professional electrician or contact your landlord to resolve the issue.
Barbecues & Grills
For most people, a barbecue is a part of their home for the warmer months. Yet, make sure it's not near your house or any plants and trees. Cleaning your barbecue is also critical because the buildup in it can be a fire hazard. Additionally, you should check the gas bottle consistently for leaks or other potential problems.
Kids in the Home
Kids are naturally curious, and fire can be attractive to them. Hide all matches and lighters in the house to protect the safety of your children. You can also train them how to deal with the circumstance of a fire and to memorize their address in case they need to call 911.
Combustible Liquids
When you're storing your liquids, always read the label to make sure the substance isn't a fire hazard, otherwise don't store them by a heat source.
Having a Christmas Tree in Your Property
Christmas trees provide holiday cheer into the house, but they are also a major fire hazard. Cutting an inch from the base will allow your tree to absorb water, and it's necessary to do this before it is placed in the tree stand. You should also be active about ensuring your tree gets watered and hydrated. Before going to sleep for the evening, check to see that your Christmas lights are turned off as well. Additionally, you could procure an artificial tree to avert the risk altogether.
Dryers Not Being Maintained
Fires produced from dryers are quite prevalent, and that's why it's critical 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 check the dryer duct regularly because lint can get stuck in there often.
Prevention
It's impossible to get rid of all possible fire hazards, but knowing the most common causes of house fires can remove your risk substantially. If you have encountered any fire damage to your residence, don't hesitate to call an expert that offers fire damage cleaning services, like Paul Davis. We are a fire restoration company that can have your home brought back to its previous state.
