What is the Most Common Cause of a Home Fire - Fire Damage Remediation
Home fires are scary, and they transpire more regularly 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 liable for the deaths and injuries of firefighters and civilians. Fire clean up companies like Paul Davis have provided many fire clean up services because of this data. It's good to know the most common ways a house fire is caused, because any probability for fire shouldn't be disregarded. We've listed out the most common fire hazards so that you can avoid a fire from taking place in your home.
Cooking in the Kitchen
Preparing meals in the house is one of the primary culprits to house fires, especially when no one is there to monitor the kitchen. Many fire damage repairs have been required because of neglected cooking. If you're required to leave the kitchen for any reason, make sure someone else is there to monitor the cooking.
Equipment Using Electricity
Anything that uses an electrical current in your residence can act as a fire hazard. If any of your electrical gear has a bad cord, then they are a fire risk. Another thing to recognize is your outlets. You don't want to overload the circuit.
Candles in Your Property
Candles are charming pieces to keep around the house. They are decorative and make your home smell nice, but they are also an extreme risk for fire. Keep your candles away from likely fire hazards such as books, newspapers and curtains, and always extinguish them when you leave the room.
Smoking in Your Property
When it comes to fire hazards, cigarettes are risky since they can fall to the ground and burn for a few hours. Departing from your house to smoke is the best way to bypass this risk.
Damaged Wiring
Any electrical complications in your home, such as defective wiring, can expose your property to fire. This presents an issue since it's not in plain sight, but there are a few things you can watch out for to pinpoint any faulty wiring in your residence:
- 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 issue and reach out to an electrician or contact your landlord.
Barbecues & Grills
Having a grill may be a main part of your residence, and they're an excellent thing to have throughout the summer. Yet, check that it's not near your house or any plants and trees. Cleaning your barbecue is also crucial since the buildup in it can put you at risk of fire. Additionally, you need to inspect the gas bottle regularly for leaks or other possible issues.
Children
Fire is attractive for the curiosity of a child, and that's why you need to take preventative measures. Hide all matches and lighters in the house to keep your children free from harm. Take additional protections and make sure your children know how to exit the house and that they know their address if they need to call 911.
Liquids That Are Combustible
Specific liquids should be kept away from any source of heat, and you should always look through the label to see if they are flammable.
Christmas Trees in the Home
Christmas trees bring holiday cheer into the home, but they are also a risk for house fires. Cutting an inch from the trunk will allow your tree to absorb water, and it's necessary to do this before it goes in the tree stand. You should also be active about watering your tree and keeping it hydrated. Another thing you should do is turn off your Christmas lights when you go to sleep. You could consider buying an artificial tree to counter a fire hazard.
Not Cleaning Out the Lint Trap
Fires caused from dryers are quite prevalent, and that's why it's critical to keep them clean. To prevent your residence from needing fire remediation services, always clean out the lint trap before using it again, and examine the dryer duct regularly because lint can get trapped in there often.
Fire Damage Prevention to Your Home
It's difficult to remove all potential risks for fire, but understanding the most frequent causes of house fires can remove your risk substantially. If you have experienced any fire damage to your residence, don't wait to call an expert that provides fire remediation services, like Paul Davis. We are fire restoration contractors that can get your house restored back to where it was before.
