What is the Most Common Cause of a House Fire - Fire Damage Remediation
House fires are a frightening thing, and they materialize more frequently 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 injuries and deaths of firefighters and civilians. Professional fire damage repair companies like Paul Davis have done many fire restoration services because of this data. The chance of a house fire shouldn't be overlooked, and that's why it's good to understand what the most common causes of house fires are. We've organized a list of the most common fire risks so that you can prevent a fire from occurring in your home.
Getting Distracted in the Kitchen
Preparing meals in the house is one of the prime culprits to house fires, especially when no one is there to oversee the actions in the kitchen. Many fire clean up services have been necessary because of forgotten activities in the kitchen. It's important to stay in the kitchen while preparing your food, or to have someone to watch it if you leave the room.
Appliances Using Electricity
Your electrical equipment and appliances can be a fire hazard. If any of your electrical devices have a worn out cord, then they are a fire hazard. Another thing to watch out for is your outlets. You don't want to overload the circuit.
Candles Left Neglected
Candles are charming pieces to keep around the house. Even though they make for elegant decorations, they are also an extreme risk for fire. Keep your candles away from potential fire hazards such as magazines, newspapers and draperies, and always make sure the wick isn't burning when you leave the room.
Smoking
When it comes to fire hazards, cigarettes are dangerous since they can fall to the ground and burn for a long period of time. Leaving your residence to smoke is the best idea to avoid this risk.
Electrical Problems Faulty Wiring
Any electrical complications in your house, such as damaged wiring, can put your property at risk for fire. This presents an issue because it's not in plain sight, but there are some things you can watch out for to diagnose 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 the situation for you, resolve the issue and get an electrician or call your landlord.
BBQ Equipment
Having a grill may be a main part of your residence, and they're an excellent thing to have during the summer. However, check that it's not near your house or any plants and trees. Also, keep it cleaned and maintained frequently, because the buildup that collects in your grill can be a fire hazard. Additionally, you should check the gas bottle regularly for leaks or other possible problems.
Children's Curiosity
Fire is alluring for a child's curiosity, and that's why it's necessary to take preventative measures. Keep any matches or lighters out of reach or hidden to prevent an emergency from happening. Take added protections and ensure your children understand how to exit the house and that they know their address if they need to call 911.
Contents That Are Flammable
Before storing your liquids, examine the label to make sure the contents aren't a fire hazard, otherwise don't keep them next to a heat source.
Christmas Trees in the House
Every December, holiday festivity is brought into the home through Christmas trees along with a viable house fire. Cutting an inch from the trunk will allow your tree to absorb water, and it's necessary to do this before it is placed in the tree stand. Watering your tree regularly and keeping it hydrated is also an important step. Another thing you should do is turn off your Christmas lights when you go to sleep. You could favor getting an artificial tree to counter a fire hazard.
Lint Traps
Fires generated from dryers are rather frequent, and that's why it's necessary to keep them maintained. To prevent your residence from needing fire clean up services, always clean out the lint trap before using it again, and examine the dryer duct frequently because lint can get stuck in there often.
Preventing Fire Damage
It's difficult to get rid of all possible fire hazards, but understanding the most common causes of house fires can eliminate your risk substantially. If you have encountered any fire damage to your residence, don't wait to call an expert that provides fire clean up services, like Paul Davis. We are fire restoration contractors that can get your home brought back to where it was before.
