The Most Common Factor for Fire Damage Remediation Services
Fire damage happens to homes quite often, and they can be an alarming thing to deal with. The National Fire Protection Association has reported that more than 300,000 houses in America encounter fire damage annually. Along with these statistics, businesses like Paul Davis have given fire clean up services for many houses. The possibility of a house fire shouldn't be overlooked, and that's why it's good to understand what the most common causes of house fires are. We've composed a list of the most common fire risks so that you can prevent a fire from happening in your home.
Cooking in the Kitchen
Cooking is one of the primary causes of house fires, and a fire usually ignites when the stove is isn't being watched. Many houses have been in need of fire remediation services because of food being left on the stove with no one to monitor it. If you're required to leave the kitchen for any reason, make sure someone else is there to keep an eye on the cooking.
Your Electrical Accessories
Anything that needs electricity in your property can be a fire hazard. Check your appliances to see if any of the cords are damaged, since that is a great risk for fire. Also, what you need to keep in mind is your outlets. You don't want to overload the circuit.
Forgotten Candles
One of the more pleasant things to place around the house are candles. They embellish your space and make your house smell nice, but they are also a big risk for fire. Keep your candles away from likely fire hazards such as books, newspapers and curtains, and always make sure the wick isn't burning when you leave the room.
Smoking
Cigarettes have been a fire hazard for decades, considering they can stay lit for a few hours, and if they come into contact with anything flammable, you can have a severe problem on your hands. Smoking outdoors is an excellent idea to reduce this hazard.
Defective Wiring
Any electrical complications in your home, such as faulty wiring, can put your property at risk for fire. Defective wiring is troublesome because you can't always see it, but here are some things to look 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 your dilemma, fix the problem and reach out to an electrician or call your landlord.
Grills in Your Yard
Having a barbecue may be an essential part of your residence, and they're a wonderful thing to have throughout the summer months. Remember, it's vital that your barbecue isn't near anything that can catch on fire from it. Also, have it cleaned and maintained frequently, since the buildup that collects in your barbecue can be a fire hazard. Examining your gas bottle routinely is another crucial step in securing your safety.
Children
Children are typically curious, and fire can be enticing for them. Keep any matches or lighters out of reach or hidden to prevent a disaster from occurring. Take additional care and make sure your children understand how to clear the area and that they know their address if they need to call 911.
Storing Combustible Contents
When you're storing your liquids, always examine the label to make sure the substance isn't a fire hazard, otherwise don't store them next to a heat source.
Christmas Tree
Christmas trees deliver holiday festivities into the house, but they are also a major fire hazard. If you have a live tree, it's necessary to cut off a small section from the trunk so the tree has the ability to absorb water. You should also be attentive about watering your tree and keeping it hydrated. Before turning in for the evening, check to see that your Christmas lights are turned off too. Furthermore, you could get an artificial tree to avert the fire hazard altogether.
Not Cleaning Out the Lint Trap
Fires generated from dryers are quite frequent, and that's why it's integral to keep them clean. To prevent your residence 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 often.
Avoiding Fire Damage
It's impossible to get rid of all possible fire hazards, but understanding the most common 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 fire restoration contractors that can have your residence brought back to where it was before.
