Fire Damage Repair - The Most Common Factor of Residential Fires
Home fires are scary, and they materialize more regularly than people might think. More than 300,000 homes in the United States, according to the National Fire Protection Association, come across fire damage annually. Fire restoration contractors like Paul Davis have done many fire damage cleaning services because of this data. It's good to know the most common ways a house fire is caused, because any possibility for fire shouldn't be overlooked. We've assembled a list of the most common fire threats so that you can avoid a fire from taking place in your home.
Inattentive While Cooking
Making meals in the home is one of the prime culprits to house fires, especially when no one is there to keep an eye on the kitchen. Many fire clean up services have been necessary because of unattended activities in the kitchen. If you're required to leave the kitchen for any reason, make sure someone else is there to monitor the cooking.
Devices Using Electricity
Anything that needs electricity in your property can pose as a fire risk. If any of your electrical devices have a worn out cord, then they are a fire hazard. Always verify your electrical outlets are not overloaded.
Candles in Your Home
Candles are delightful materials to have around the home. They are ornamental and make your house aromatic, but they are also an extreme fire hazard. Keep your candles away from likely fire hazards such as magazines, newspapers and curtains, and always make sure the wick isn't burning when you leave the room.
Cigarettes Inside
Cigarettes have been a fire hazard for decades, because 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. Exiting your residence to smoke is the best idea to avoid this risk.
Electrical Issues Damaged Wiring
Any electrical issues in your home, such as damaged 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 look 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 the situation for you, fix the problem and reach out to an electrician or call your landlord.
BBQ Equipment
Having a barbecue may be a main part of your home, and they're an excellent thing to have throughout the summer months. Remember, it's critical that your barbecue isn't in proximity to anything that can ignite from it. Maintaining your grill is also necessary since the buildup in it can be a fire hazard. Additionally, you should inspect the gas bottle consistently for leaks or other possible problems.
Children's Curiosity
Fire is attractive for the curiosity of a child, and that's why you need to take preventative measures. Keep any matches or lighters out of reach or hidden to avoid a catastrophe from arising. Take extra precautions and ensure your kids know how to exit the house and that they know their address if they need to call 911.
Liquids That Are Combustible
When you're storing your liquids, always check the label to make sure the contents aren't a fire hazard, otherwise don't keep them next to a heat source.
Having a Christmas Tree in Your House
Every winter, holiday cheer is delivered to the home through Christmas trees along with a possible house fire. If you like having a live tree, you should cut off an inch from the trunk so the tree is able to absorb water. You should also be earnest about watering your tree and keeping it hydrated. One more task you should complete is turning off your Christmas lights when you go to bed. You could consider acquiring an artificial tree to limit a fire hazard.
Dryers
Fires generated from dryers are rather common, and that's why it's necessary to keep them maintained. To prevent your home from needing fire damage cleaning services, always clean out the lint trap before using it again, and inspect the dryer duct periodically because lint can get stuck in there often.
Prevention
It's impossible to get rid of all potential risks for fire, but knowing the most common causes of house fires can eliminate your risk significantly. If you have encountered any fire damage to your property, don't wait to call an expert that provides fire damage cleaning services, like Paul Davis. We are a fire restoration company that can get your property restored back to where it was before.
