Fire Damage Clean Up - The Most Common Cause of Residential Fires
House fires are a frightening thing, and they materialize more often than people might think. More than 300,000 homes across the United States, according to the National Fire Protection Association, encounter fire damage annually. Along with these statistics, businesses like Paul Davis have supplied fire clean up services for many homes. It's good to understand the most common ways a house fire is caused, because any possibility for fire shouldn't be overlooked. We've composed a list of the most common fire hazards so that you can halt a fire from taking place in your home.
Not Paying Attention While Cooking
Cooking is one of the main causes of house fires, and a fire often occurs when the stove is isn't being watched. Many fire clean up services have been necessary because of unattended activities in the kitchen. If it's necessary for you to leave the kitchen for any reason, make sure another person is there to monitor the cooking.
Devices Using Electricity
Electrical appliances, such as coffee makers and microwaves should be watched after and put in locations that aren't risky. Look over your appliances to see if any of the cords are bad, because that poses a great fire hazard. Additionally, what you need to be cautious about is your outlets. You don't want to overload the circuit.
Candles in Your Room
Candles are delightful things to place around the home. They enhance your space and make your home fragrant, but they are also a huge fire hazard. Keep your candles away from probable fire hazards such as magazines, newspapers and draperies, and always blow them out when you leave the room.
Smoking
Cigarettes have been a fire hazard for decades, because they can stay lit for a few hours, and if they come into contact with anything flammable, you can have a huge issue on your hands. Smoking outside is the best idea to avoid this accident.
Electrical Problems Damaged Wiring
Homes with damaged wiring generate electrical issues which can lead to a house fire. Damaged wiring is troublesome 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 your predicament, resolve the issue and reach out to an electrician or call your landlord.
BBQ Equipment
Having a grill may be an essential part of your property, and they're an excellent thing to have during the summer months. Remember, it's imperative that your grill isn't close to anything that can ignite from it. Also, keep it cleaned and maintained regularly, because the buildup that collects in your grill can be a fire hazard. Additionally, you should check the gas bottle frequently for leaks or other potential problems.
Children's Curiosity
Fire is attractive for a child's curiosity, and that's why you need to take preventative measures. Hide all matches and lighters in the house to establish 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.
Liquids That Are Flammable
Specific liquids should be stored away from any heat source, and you should always examine the label to see if they are a risk for fire.
Christmas Trees During the Winter
Every December, holiday festivity is delivered to the home through Christmas trees along with a probable house fire. If you like having a live tree, it's necessary to cut off an inch from the trunk so the tree can absorb water. You should also be diligent about watering your tree and keeping it hydrated. Another thing you should do is turn off your Christmas lights when you go to bed. Additionally, you could procure an artificial tree to avoid the risk altogether.
Not Cleaning Out the Lint Trap
Fires produced from dryers are quite frequent, and that's why it's crucial to keep them clean. To prevent your property from needing fire restoration services, always clean out the lint trap before using it again, and examine the dryer duct frequently because lint can get stuck in there often.
Preventing Fire Damage
It's impossible to get rid of all possible fire hazards, but knowing the most typical causes of house fires can remove your risk significantly. If you have experienced any fire damage to your residence, don't wait to call a professional that offers fire restoration services, like Paul Davis. We are fire restoration contractors that can get your property brought back to where it was before.
