The Most Common Causes for Fires in Houses
House fires are scary, and they materialize more often than people might think. 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 responsible for the deaths and injuries of both civilians and firefighters. Fire damage restoration companies like Paul Davis have executed many fire damage cleaning services because of these statistics. It's important to know the most common ways a house fire is caused, because any probability for fire shouldn't be ignored. For your preparation, we've compiled a collection of the most common causes of house fires.
Inattentive When Cooking
Preparing meals in the house is one of the primary culprits to house fires, especially when no one is there to oversee the actions in the kitchen. Many fire damage repairs have been necessary because of neglected cooking. If you're required to exit the kitchen for any reason, make sure someone else is there to keep an eye on the cooking.
Devices Using Electricity
Your electrical equipment and appliances can be a fire risk. Review your appliances to see if any of the cords are bad, because that is a major fire hazard. Always double-check that your electrical outlets are not crowded.
Forgotten Candles
Candles are charming pieces to have around the house. They enhance your space and make your home aromatic, but they are also an extreme fire hazard. Keep your candles away from potential fire hazards such as magazines, newspapers and curtains, and always make sure the wick isn't burning when you leave the room.
Cigarettes in Your Home
When it comes to fire hazards, cigarettes are risky because they can fall to the floor and burn for a few hours. Smoking outdoors is an excellent idea to stay away from this risk.
Faulty Wiring
Any electrical issues in your house, such as defective wiring, can put your property at risk for fire. This presents a problem because it's not in plain sight, but there are a few things you can watch out for to recognize any faulty wiring in your home:
- 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, fix the problem and reach out to an electrician or call your landlord.
BBQs & Grills
Having a barbecue may be a main part of your home, and they're an excellent thing to have during the summer. Remember, it's vital that your barbecue isn't nearby anything that can ignite from it. Also, keep it cleaned and maintained on a regular basis, because the buildup that occurs in your barbecue can be a fire risk. Checking your gas bottle frequently is another necessary step in securing your safety.
Children
Fire is alluring for a child's curiosity, and that's why you need to take preventative measures. Hide all matches and lighters in your home to keep your children protected. Take added precautions and ensure your children know how to vacate the house and that they know their address if they need to call 911.
Combustible Contents
Certain liquids should be stored away from any heat source, and you should always read the label to see if they are flammable.
Having a Christmas Tree in Your Residence
Christmas trees provide holiday joy into the home, but they are also a danger for house fires. Cutting a small section from the base will allow your tree to absorb water, and it's necessary to do this before it goes in the tree stand. Watering your tree regularly and keeping it hydrated is also a vital step. One more thing you should do is turn off your Christmas lights when you go to sleep. You could favor purchasing an artificial tree to limit a fire hazard.
Laundry Machines
Fires caused from dryers are rather prevalent, and that's why it's vital to keep them clean. To prevent your home from needing fire damage cleaning services, always clean out the lint trap before using it again, and examine the dryer duct regularly because lint can get stuck in there as well.
Prevention
It's impossible to get rid of all possible fire hazards, but knowing the most typical causes of house fires can eradicate your risk substantially. If you have experienced any fire damage to your house, don't hesitate to call a professional that provides fire damage cleaning services, like Paul Davis. We are a fire damage restoration company that can get your residence restored back to its previous state.
