The Most Common Causes for Fires in Houses
Fire damage occurs to houses quite often, and they can be a frightening thing to deal with. The National Fire Protection Association has recorded that more than 300,000 houses throughout the United States come across fire damage annually. Fire clean up companies like Paul Davis have performed many fire clean up services because of these numbers. It's good to understand the most common ways a house fire is caused, because any potential for fire shouldn't be ignored. To better prepare yourself, we've organized a category of the most common causes of house fires.
Being Distracted from Cooking
Preparing meals in the home is one of the main culprits to house fires, especially when no one is there to oversee the activities in the kitchen. Many homes have needed fire damage repairs because of food being left on the stove with no one to watch it. If it's necessary for you to exit the kitchen for any reason, make sure another person is there to oversee the cooking.
Accessories Using Electricity
Appliances that use an electrical current, such as toasters and portable heaters should be watched after and put in places that aren't risky. Look over your appliances to see if any of the cords are broken, because that is a major risk for fire. Always determine that your electrical outlets are not crowded.
Forgotten Candles
Candles are refreshing items to place around the home. Despite the fact they make for great decorations, they are also an extreme risk for fire. Keep your candles away from probable fire hazards such as magazines, papers and curtains, and always extinguish them when you leave the room.
Smoking
When it comes to fire hazards, cigarettes are dangerous because they can drop on the ground and burn for a few hours. Smoking outside is the best approach to stay away from this risk.
A Property with Defective 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 look out for to identify 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 you detect any of these things, call an experienced electrician or contact your landlord to resolve the problem.
BBQ Equipment
For most people, a grill is a part of their residence for the summer months. Yet, make sure it's not in proximity to your home or any plants and trees. Also, have it cleaned and maintained frequently, because the buildup that collects in your grill can be a fire hazard. Examining your gas bottle regularly is another necessary step in securing your safety.
Children's Curiosity
Fire is intriguing for a child's curiosity, and that's why it's important to take preventative measures. Hide all matches and lighters in the house to establish the safety of your children. Take additional care and make sure your children understand how to vacate the house and that they know their address if they need to call 911.
Contents That Are Combustible
Certain liquids should be stored away from any source of heat, and you should always examine the label to see if they are flammable.
Christmas Trees & Lights
Every winter, holiday cheer is brought into 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 has the ability to absorb water. Watering your tree frequently and keeping it hydrated is also an important step. Before going to bed for the evening, check to see that your Christmas lights are turned off as well. You could favor purchasing an artificial tree to counter a fire hazard.
Dryers
Fires caused from dryers are rather prevalent, and that's why it's crucial to keep them maintained. To prevent your home from needing fire remediation services, always clean out the lint trap before using it again, and check the dryer duct consistently because lint can get stuck in there often.
Fire Damage Prevention to Your Property
It's impossible to get rid of all potential fire hazards, but knowing the most common causes of house fires can eradicate your risk significantly. If you have encountered any fire damage to your residence, don't hesitate to call an expert that provides fire remediation services, like Paul Davis. We are a fire restoration company that can have your property brought back to where it was before.
