Fire Damage Repair - The Most Common Cause of Residential Fires
Fire damage occurs to houses quite frequently, and they can be a scary thing to deal with. The National Fire Protection Association has reported that there are more than 300,000 house fires a year in the United States, and they are responsible for the deaths and injuries of firefighters and civilians. Fire restoration contractors like Paul Davis have performed many fire damage cleaning services because of these statistics. It's good 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 list of the most common causes of house fires.
Not Paying Attention While Cooking
Cooking is one of the primary causes of house fires, and a fire typically transpires when the stove is left unattended. A lot of properties have been in need of fire remediation services because of food being left on the stove with no one to lookout after it. If you need to leave the kitchen for any reason, make sure another person is there to keep an eye on the cooking.
Electrical Current & Your Accessories
Any electrical equipment and appliances can be a fire hazard. Checkup on your appliances to see if any of the cords are broken, because that poses a great risk for fire. Regularly make sure your electrical outlets are not being overused.
Candles Left Ignited
One of the more enjoyable things to have around the home are candles. They enhance your space and make your home fragrant, but they are also an extreme risk for fire. Make sure to extinguish your candles before departing the room, and put them in a location where they won't fall or burn other things around them.
Smoking Indoors
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 issue on your hands. Smoking outdoors is an excellent way to reduce this accident.
A Home with Damaged Wiring
Residences with faulty wiring generate electrical issues which can lead to a house fire. This presents a problem because it's not in plain sight, but there are some things you can look 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 you detect any of these things, contact a professional electrician or contact your landlord to resolve the problem.
BBQ Equipment
Having a grill may be a main part of your residence, and they're a wonderful thing to have throughout the summer months. However, make sure 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 grill can be a fire hazard. Examining your gas bottle on a regular basis is another crucial step in ensuring your safety.
Children
Children are usually curious, and fire can be appealing to them. Hide all matches and lighters in your home to secure the safety of your children. You can also train them what to do in the incident of a fire and to memorize their address in the event they need to call 911.
Liquids That Are Combustible
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 Home
Every December, holiday joy is brought into the home through Christmas trees along with a possible house fire. If you have a live tree, you should cut off a small section from the trunk so the tree is able to absorb water. You should also be attentive about watering your tree and keeping it hydrated. Before turning in for the night, make sure your Christmas lights are turned off too. Furthermore, you could purchase an artificial tree to avoid the fire hazard altogether.
Dryers
Fires generated from dryers are quite common, and that's why it's integral to keep them maintained. To prevent your residence 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 difficult to remove all potential fire hazards, but understanding the most frequent causes of house fires can eradicate your risk substantially. If you have encountered any fire damage to your home, don't wait to call a professional that provides fire damage cleaning services, like Paul Davis. We are a fire restoration company that can get your house restored back to where it was before.
