The Most Common Factors for Fires in Homes
Fire damage occurs to homes quite regularly, and they can be an alarming thing to deal with. The National Fire Protection Association has shown that more than 300,000 houses across the United States come across fire damage annually. Along with these statistics, businesses like Paul Davis have provided fire damage remediation services for many homes. The risk of a house fire shouldn't be left unnoticed, and that's why it's important to know what the most common causes of house fires are. To ensure your preparedness, we've arranged a set of the most common causes of house fires.
Inattentive When Cooking
Cooking is one of the primary causes of house fires, and a fire typically happens when the stove is neglected. Many fire damage repairs have been required because of unattended cooking. It's important to stay in the kitchen while preparing your meals, or to get someone to monitor it if you leave the room.
Devices Using Electricity
Electrical appliances, such as coffee makers and microwaves need to be monitored and put in areas that aren't risky. Checkup on your appliances to see if any of the cords are worn out, since that poses a major risk for fire. Additionally, what you need to be cautious about is your outlets. For your safety, restrict what you plug into them.
Candles in Your Room
Candles are refreshing materials to place around the home. Although they make for ornate decorations, they are also a primary risk for fire. Make sure to blow out your candles before leaving the room, and put them in an area where they won't fall over or ignite other objects around them.
Smoking
Cigarettes have been a fire hazard for a long time, considering they can keep burning for a few hours, and if they come into contact with anything flammable, you can have a severe issue on your hands. Smoking outdoors is an excellent approach to avoid this risk.
Electrical Issues Faulty Wiring
Residences with damaged wiring create electrical problems which can lead to a house fire. This presents an issue since it's not in plain sight, but there are some 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 this is the situation for you, fix the issue and reach out to an electrician or contact your landlord.
Barbecues
Having a grill may be a main part of your residence, and they're a wonderful thing to have throughout the summer. Yet, make sure it's not in proximity to your home or any plants and trees. Also, have it cleaned and maintained regularly, since the buildup that collects in your grill can be a fire hazard. Inspecting your gas bottle on a regular basis is another necessary step in securing your safety.
Kids
Children are naturally curious, and fire can be enticing for them. Keep any matches or lighters out of reach or hidden to avoid a disaster from occurring. Take additional precautions and make sure your children know how to vacate the house and that they know their address if they need to call 911.
Storing Combustible Contents
Certain liquids should be kept away from any heat source, and you should always read the label to see if they are a risk for fire.
Christmas Trees in the House
Christmas trees bring holiday joy into the house, but they are also a big fire hazard. If you have a live tree, you should cut off an inch from the trunk so the tree is able to soak up water. You should also be diligent about making sure your tree is watered and hydrated. Before turning in for the night, check to see that your Christmas lights are turned off as well. Additionally, you could purchase an artificial tree to avert the fire hazard altogether.
Clothing Dryers
Fires generated from dryers are very frequent, and that's why it's necessary 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 check the dryer duct periodically because lint can get stuck in there as well.
Avoiding Fire Damage
It's impossible to get rid of all possible risks for fire, but understanding the most typical causes of house fires can eradicate your risk significantly. If you have experienced any fire damage to your house, don't wait to call a professional that provides fire damage cleaning services, like Paul Davis. We are a fire clean up company that can get your house recovered back to its previous state.
