Fire Damage Restoration - The Most Common Cause of House Fires
Fire damage occurs to houses quite regularly, and they can be a scary thing to deal with. Based off information by the National Fire Protection Association, there are more than 300,000 house fires a year 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 provided fire clean up services for many homes. It's necessary to understand the most common ways a house fire is caused, because any potential for fire shouldn't be disregarded. We've listed out the most common fire threats so that you can counter a fire from happening in your home.
Not Paying Attention When Cooking
Making meals in the house is one of the primary culprits to house fires, especially when no one is there to oversee the activities in the kitchen. Many fire damage repairs have been necessary because of forgotten activities in the kitchen. If you're required to move away from the kitchen for any reason, make sure someone else is there to look after the cooking.
Appliances Using Electricity
Electrical appliances, such as toasters and portable heaters need to be watched after and put in areas that aren't risky. Look over your appliances to see if any of the cords are damaged, since that poses a great fire hazard. Regularly make sure your electrical outlets are not overloaded.
Candles Left Neglected
One of the more enjoyable features to keep around the home are candles. While they make for ornate decorations, they are also a primary fire hazard. Make sure to blow out your candles before departing the room, and put them in a location where they won't fall or burn other things around them.
Cigarettes Inside
When it comes to fire hazards, cigarettes are dangerous because they can drop on the ground and stay lit for a few hours. Leaving your house to smoke is the best way to avert this risk.
Bad Wiring
Residences with defective wiring generate electrical issues 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 this is the situation for you, resolve the issue and reach out to an electrician or call your landlord.
BBQs & Grills
Having a grill may be a main part of your home, and they're an excellent thing to have during the summer. However, make sure it's not in proximity to your house or any plants and trees. Maintaining your barbecue is also necessary since the buildup in it can be a fire hazard. Additionally, you need to examine the gas bottle frequently for leaks or other potential issues.
Children's Curiosity
Fire is enticing for the curiosity of a child, and that's why it's necessary to take every precaution. Hide all matches and lighters in the house to ensure 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.
Placing Combustible Liquids
Certain liquids should be stored away from any source of heat, and you should always check the label to see if they are flammable.
Having a Christmas Tree in Your Property
Every December, holiday festivity is brought into the home through Christmas trees along with a viable house fire. If you have a live tree, it's necessary to cut off a small section from the trunk so the tree is able to absorb water. Watering your tree regularly and keeping it hydrated is also an essential step. Another task you should complete is turning off your Christmas lights when you go to sleep. Also, you could buy an artificial tree to avert the risk altogether.
Dryer Ducts
Fires produced from dryers are quite frequent, and that's why it's necessary to keep them clean. To prevent your home from needing fire restoration services, always clean out the lint trap before using it again, and inspect the dryer duct periodically because lint can get stuck in there as well.
Avoiding Fire Damage
It's impossible to remove all potential fire hazards, but understanding the most typical causes of house fires can eradicate your risk substantially. If you have encountered any fire damage to your property, don't wait to call a professional that offers fire restoration services, like Paul Davis. We are a fire restoration company that can get your property brought back to its previous state.
