What is the Most Common Cause of a Home Fire - Fire Damage Remediation
Fire damage presents itself to houses quite frequently, and they can be an alarming thing to deal with. The National Fire Protection Association has documented 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. Fire damage repair companies like Paul Davis have done many fire clean up services because of this data. The chance of a house fire shouldn't be neglected, and that's why it's great to know what the most common causes of house fires are. To better prepare yourself, we've composed a category of the most common causes of house fires.
Inattentive While Cooking
Cooking is one of the main causes of house fires, and a fire usually happens when the stove is left unattended. Many fire clean up services have been needed because of neglected activities in the kitchen. If you're required to exit the kitchen for any reason, make sure someone else is there to look after the cooking.
Electrical Current & Your Appliances
Electrical appliances, such as toasters and portable heaters should be watched after and put in places that aren't risky. Check your appliances to see if any of the cords are faulty, because that poses a great fire hazard. Always determine that your electrical outlets are not being overused.
Candles in Your Property
Candles are pleasing pieces to have around the home. Even though they make for ornate decorations, they are also an extreme fire hazard. Make sure to extinguish your candles before exiting the room, and put them in an area where they won't fall or ignite other things around them.
Cigarettes in Your Property
Cigarettes have been a fire hazard for a long time, considering they can stay lit for a few hours, and if they come into contact with anything flammable, you can have a huge problem on your hands. Departing from your home to smoke is an excellent way to avert an accident from happening.
Damaged Wiring
Any electrical problems in your home, such as damaged wiring, can expose your property to fire. This presents a problem because it's not in plain sight, but there are a few things you can look out for to identify 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 you detect any of these things, call an experienced electrician or call your landlord to resolve the issue.
BBQ Equipment
Having a barbecue may be a fundamental part of your residence, and they're an excellent thing to have during the summer months. However, check that it's not near your home or any plants and trees. Also, have it cleaned and maintained routinely, because the buildup that collects in your barbecue can be a fire hazard. Inspecting your gas bottle consistently is another essential step in securing your safety.
Children
Fire is attractive for the curiosity of a child, and that's why it's crucial to take every precaution. Keep any matches or lighters out of reach or hidden to prevent a calamity from arising. Take additional protections and make sure your children know how to clear the area and that they know their address if they need to call 911.
Combustible Contents
Before storing your liquids, check the label to make sure the substance isn't flammable, otherwise don't keep them by a heat source.
Christmas Trees & Lights
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, it's necessary to cut off an inch from the trunk so the tree can soak up water. Watering your tree consistently and keeping it hydrated is also an important step. Before turning in for the evening, make sure your Christmas lights are turned off too. You could favor acquiring an artificial tree to avoid a fire hazard.
Dryer Ducts
Fires produced from dryers are very common, and that's why it's integral to keep them maintained. To prevent your residence from needing fire restoration services, always clean out the lint trap before using it again, and examine the dryer duct periodically because lint can get trapped in there as well.
Preventing Fire Damage
It's difficult to get rid of all possible fire hazards, but understanding the most typical causes of house fires can remove your risk substantially. If you have encountered 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 clean up company that can get your residence recovered back to its previous state.
