Fire Damage Repair - The Most Common Factor of Residential Fires
Home fires are scary, and they occur more frequently than people might think. According to the National Fire Protection Association, there are more than 300,000 house fires annually in the United States, and they are responsible for the injuries and deaths of both civilians and firefighters. Fire restoration contractors like Paul Davis have done many fire clean up services because of this data. The chance of a house fire shouldn't be neglected, and that's why it's great to know what the most common causes of house fires are. We've listed out the most common fire threats so that you can inhibit a fire from taking place in your home.
Leaving Food in the Oven
Making meals in the home is one of the major culprits to house fires, especially when no one is there to oversee the actions in the kitchen. Many houses have been in need of fire remediation services because of food being left on the stove with no one to lookout after it. It's imperative to stay in the kitchen while preparing your meals, or to ask someone to watch it if you move away from the room.
Electrical Appliances
Any electrical equipment and appliances can act as a fire hazard. If any of your electrical equipment has a bad cord, then they are a fire hazard. Consistently make sure your electrical outlets are not crowded.
Candles in Your Property
Candles are pleasant things to keep around the home. They are decorative and make your home aromatic, but they are also a big fire hazard. Keep your candles away from likely fire hazards such as magazines, newspapers and draperies, and always make sure the wick isn't burning 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 big problem on your hands. Leaving your residence to smoke is the best way to avert this risk.
A Residence with Defective Wiring
Any electrical problems in your home, such as defective wiring, can expose your property to fire. Defective 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 recognize any of these things, contact a professional electrician or call your landlord to fix the problem.
BBQs & Grills
Having a grill may be a main part of your residence, and they're a wonderful thing to have throughout the summer months. However, check that it's not in proximity to your home or any plants and trees. Also, keep it cleaned and maintained regularly, because the buildup that occurs in your grill can be a fire hazard. Inspecting your gas bottle on a regular basis is another essential step in establishing your safety.
Children
Children are normally curious, and fire can be attractive to them. Hide all matches and lighters in your home to establish the safety of your children. You can also teach them how to handle the incident of a fire and to memorize their address in case they need to call 911.
Placing Flammable Contents
Before storing your liquids, check the label to make sure the substance isn't flammable, otherwise don't keep them next to a heat source.
Having a Christmas Tree in Your Residence
Christmas trees provide holiday joy into the home, but they are also a danger for home fires. If you have a live tree, you should cut off a small section from the trunk so the tree has the ability to soak up water. You should also be diligent about watering your tree and keeping it hydrated. Before turning in for the evening, make sure your Christmas lights are turned off too. You could consider acquiring an artificial tree to limit a fire hazard.
Clothing Dryers
Fires generated from dryers are very frequent, and that's why it's integral to keep them maintained. To prevent your residence from needing fire clean up 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.
Fire Damage Prevention to Your Residence
It's difficult to get rid of all possible fire hazards, but knowing the most common causes of house fires can eradicate your risk significantly. If you have encountered any fire damage to your property, don't wait to call an expert that offers fire clean up services, like Paul Davis. We are fire restoration contractors that can have your home restored back to where it was before.
