The Most Common Cause for Fire Damage Remediation Services
Home fires are a frightening thing, and they occur more often than people might think. The National Fire Protection Association has chronicled that there are more than 300,000 house fires a year in the United States, and they are liable for the deaths and injuries of both civilians and firefighters. Along with this data, businesses like Paul Davis have given fire damage repair services for many properties. It's necessary to understand the most common ways a house fire is caused, because any possibility for fire shouldn't be disregarded. We've listed out the most common fire hazards so that you can counter a fire from occurring in your home.
Neglecting Food on the Stove
Cooking is one of the primary causes of house fires, and a fire typically ignites when the stove is isn't being watched. Many properties have needed fire damage repairs because of food being left on the stove with no one to keep an eye on it. If it's necessary for you to leave the kitchen for any reason, make sure someone else is there to monitor the cooking.
Electrical Devices
Anything that uses electricity in your property can pose as a fire hazard. If any of your electrical equipment has a bad cord, then they are a fire hazard. Constantly make sure your electrical outlets are not crowded.
Forgotten Candles
Candles are pleasing items to have around the home. Although they make for elegant decorations, they are also an extreme risk for fire. Make sure to blow out your candles before exiting the room, and place them in an area where they won't fall over or burn other objects around them.
Cigarettes Inside
Cigarettes have been a fire hazard for years, considering they can stay lit for a few hours, and if they come into contact with anything flammable, you can have a big issue on your hands. Exiting your home to smoke is an excellent way to avoid this risk.
Electrical Issues Faulty Wiring
Any electrical problems in your house, such as defective wiring, can expose your property to fire. This presents a problem since it's not in plain sight, but there are some things you can look out for to pinpoint any faulty wiring in your house:
- 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, resolve the issue and reach out to an electrician or contact your landlord.
Grills on Your Property
Having a barbecue may be an essential part of your house, and they're an excellent thing to have during the summer. Remember, it's critical that your barbecue isn't near anything that can ignite from it. Also, have it cleaned and maintained on a regular basis, since the buildup that occurs in your barbecue can be a fire hazard. Checking your gas bottle routinely is another important step in establishing your safety.
Children's Curiosity
Kids are naturally curious, and fire can be enticing for them. Hide all matches and lighters in your home to protect the safety of your children. You can also teach them what to do in the circumstance of a fire and to memorize their address in case they need to call 911.
Storing Combustible Contents
Before storing your liquids, look through the label to make sure the contents aren't a fire hazard, otherwise don't store them by a heat source.
Christmas Trees in the House
Christmas trees deliver holiday festivities into the home, but they are also a risk for home fires. If you like having a live tree, you should cut off a small section from the trunk so the tree has the ability to absorb water. Watering your tree frequently and keeping it hydrated is also an essential step. One more task you should complete is turning off your Christmas lights when you go to bed. Also, you could acquire an artificial tree to avert the risk altogether.
Lint Traps
Fires produced from dryers are rather common, and that's why it's crucial to keep them maintained. To prevent your house from needing fire restoration services, always clean out the lint trap before using it again, and examine the dryer duct regularly because lint can get trapped in there as well.
Prevention
It's impossible to remove all potential risks for fire, but knowing the most common causes of house fires can eliminate your risk substantially. If you have experienced 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 damage restoration company that can get your property restored back to where it was before.
