Fire Damage Remediation - The Most Common Cause of Home Fires
House fires are scary, and they transpire more often than people might think. The National Fire Protection Association has documented that more than 300,000 houses throughout America come across fire damage in a year. Fire damage repair companies like Paul Davis have provided many fire restoration services because of these statistics. It's important to understand the most common ways a house fire is caused, because any likelihood for fire shouldn't be overlooked. To better prepare yourself, we've organized a collection of the most common causes of house fires.
Getting Distracted from Cooking
Making meals in the home is one of the main culprits to house fires, especially when no one is there to monitor the kitchen. Many fire damage repairs have been required because of neglected activities in the kitchen. If you need to leave the kitchen for any reason, make sure someone else is there to oversee the cooking.
Your Electrical Accessories
Anything that needs electricity in your residence can pose as a fire risk. Review your appliances to see if any of the cords are damaged, since that is a major fire hazard. Furthermore, what you need to remember is your outlets. You don't want to overload the circuit.
Candles in Your Home
One of the more great things to keep around the house are candles. Despite the fact they make for ornate decorations, they are also an extreme fire hazard. Keep your candles away from potential fire hazards such as books, newspapers and curtains, and always extinguish them when you leave the room.
Cigarettes in Your Home
When it comes to fire hazards, cigarettes are dangerous because they can drop on the ground and burn for a long period of time. Smoking outdoors is an excellent idea to stay away from this risk.
A Residence with Defective Wiring
Properties with bad wiring generate electrical problems which can lead to a house fire. Defective wiring is problematic because you can't always see it, but here are a few things to look out for:
- 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 notice any of these things, call an expert electrician or contact your landlord to fix the issue.
Barbecues
For most people, a grill is a part of their property for the summer. Yet, check that it's not nearby your home or any plants and trees. Also, keep it cleaned and maintained frequently, since the buildup that occurs in your barbecue can be a fire risk. Checking your gas bottle routinely is another vital step in securing your safety.
Children's Curiosity
Kids are normally curious, and fire can be enticing for them. Keep any matches or lighters out of reach or hidden to prevent a catastrophe from taking place. You can also teach them how to handle the situation of a fire and to memorize their address in case they need to call 911.
Placing Flammable Contents
Specific liquids should be stored away from any source of heat, and you should always look through the label to see if they are flammable.
Christmas Tree
Every December, holiday cheer is delivered to the home through Christmas trees along with a probable house fire. Cutting an inch from the base will let your tree soak up 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 a vital step. One more thing you should do is turn off your Christmas lights when you go to bed. Additionally, you could buy an artificial tree to refrain from the risk altogether.
Not Cleaning Out the Lint Trap
Fires caused from dryers are rather prevalent, and that's why it's crucial to keep them clean. To prevent your residence 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.
Avoiding Fire Damage
It's impossible to get rid of all potential fire hazards, but understanding the most frequent causes of house fires can eradicate your risk significantly. If you have encountered any fire damage to your residence, don't hesitate to call a professional that provides fire remediation services, like Paul Davis. We are fire restoration contractors that can have your residence brought back to where it was before.
