The Most Common Cause for Fire Damage Repair Services
House fires can be fearsome, and they transpire more regularly than people might think. More than 300,000 homes in America, according to the National Fire Protection Association, suffer from fire damage annually. Along with this data, businesses like Paul Davis have provided fire clean up services for many homes. It's necessary to know the most common ways a house fire is caused, because any possibility for fire shouldn't be disregarded. For your preparation, we've compiled a category of the most common causes of house fires.
Cooking in the Kitchen
Cooking is one of the main causes of house fires, and a fire often flares up when the stove is left unattended. Many fire damage repairs have been needed because of forgotten cooking. It's critical to remain in the kitchen while cooking, or to have someone to keep an eye on it if you exit the room.
Your Electrical Appliances
Any appliances that use electricity can act as a fire risk. If any of your electrical equipment has a bad cord, then they are a fire risk. Another thing to keep in mind is your outlets. For your safety, limit what you plug into them.
Candles Left Burning
One of the more satisfying things to keep around the house are candles. Although they make for fashionable decorations, they are also a big risk for fire. Keep your candles away from possible 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
Cigarettes have been a fire hazard for decades, since they can stay lit for a few hours, and if they come into contact with anything flammable, you can have a severe issue on your hands. Exiting your residence to smoke is the best approach to bypass an accident from happening.
Electrical Problems Faulty Wiring
Any electrical problems in your residence, such as defective wiring, can put your property at risk for 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 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 you detect any of these things, contact an experienced electrician or call your landlord to fix the problem.
Barbecues & Grills
For most people, a grill is a part of their home for the summer. Remember, it's necessary that your barbecue isn't in proximity to anything that can catch on fire from it. Also, keep it cleaned and maintained regularly, since the buildup that collects in your barbecue can be a fire risk. Checking your gas bottle routinely is another important step in establishing your safety.
Children's Curiosity
Fire is enticing for a child's curiosity, and that's why it's important to take every precaution. Keep any matches or lighters out of reach or hidden to avoid an emergency from developing. Take extra steps and ensure your children know how to clear the area and that they know their address if they need to call 911.
Storing Flammable Contents
Specific liquids should be stored away from any source of heat, and you should always read the label to see if they are flammable.
Christmas Tree
Every December, holiday cheer is provided to the home through Christmas trees along with a probable house fire. If you like having a live tree, you should cut off a small section from the trunk so the tree can absorb water. Watering your tree consistently and keeping it hydrated is also an essential step. Before turning in for the evening, make sure your Christmas lights are turned off too. You could consider purchasing an artificial tree to counter a fire hazard.
Laundry Appliances
Fires caused from dryers are rather prevalent, and that's why it's necessary to keep them clean. To prevent your house from needing fire remediation services, always clean out the lint trap before using it again, and check the dryer duct periodically because lint can get trapped in there as well.
Prevention
It's impossible to remove all possible risks for fire, but knowing the most typical causes of house fires can eliminate your risk substantially. If you have encountered any fire damage to your house, don't wait to call an expert that offers fire remediation services, like Paul Davis. We are fire restoration contractors that can have your property recovered back to its previous state.
