The Most Common Factors for Fires in Houses
Home fires are a frightening thing, and they materialize more often than people might think. More than 300,000 homes in the United States, according to the National Fire Protection Association, suffer from fire damage in a year. Fire clean up companies like Paul Davis have performed many fire damage cleaning services because of this data. It's good to understand the most common ways a house fire is caused, because any chance for fire shouldn't be disregarded. We've arranged a list of the most common fire risks so that you can avoid a fire from occurring in your home.
Not Paying Attention When Cooking
Making meals in the home is one of the primary culprits to house fires, especially when no one is there to oversee the activities in the kitchen. Many fire remediation services have been required because of unattended cooking. It's important to linger in the kitchen while cooking, or to ask someone to watch it if you leave the room.
Electrical Current & Your Accessories
Anything that uses an electrical current in your home can pose as a fire hazard. If any of your electrical appliances have a frayed cord, then they are a fire risk. Always verify your electrical outlets are not crowded.
Candles Left Burning
One of the more pleasant pieces to place around the house are candles. Although they make for ornate decorations, they are also a huge fire hazard. Keep your candles away from likely fire hazards such as magazines, newspapers and draperies, and always blow them out when you leave the room.
Smoking in Your House
When it comes to fire hazards, cigarettes are risky on account of they can fall to the ground and stay lit for a few hours. Departing from your house to smoke is an excellent idea to bypass this risk.
Electrical Problems Bad Wiring
Any electrical issues in your home, such as bad wiring, can put your property at risk for fire. This poses a problem because it's not in plain sight, but there are a few things you can watch out for to diagnose any faulty wiring in your house:
- 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 call your landlord to resolve the problem.
Barbecue Equipment
Having a barbecue may be a fundamental part of your house, and they're a good thing to have during the summer months. Remember, it's imperative that your barbecue isn't near anything that can catch on fire from it. Also, keep it cleaned and maintained routinely, because the buildup that collects in your barbecue can be a fire hazard. Inspecting your gas bottle regularly is another important step in establishing your safety.
Kids
Kids are normally curious, and fire can be appealing to them. Keep any matches or lighters out of reach or hidden to prevent an accident from occurring. Take added care and make sure your children understand how to exit the house and that they know their address if they need to call 911.
Liquids That Are Flammable
Specific liquids should be kept away from any source of heat, and you should always look through the label to see if they are flammable.
Christmas Trees in the House
Christmas trees bring holiday cheer into the house, but they are also a risk for home fires. If you have a live tree, it's necessary to cut off a small section from the trunk so the tree can soak up water. You should also be attentive about ensuring your tree gets watered and hydrated. One more task you should complete is turning off your Christmas lights when you go to bed. You could consider acquiring an artificial tree to rule out a fire hazard.
Dryers
Fires generated from dryers are very common, and that's why it's critical to keep them maintained. To prevent your house from needing fire restoration services, always clean out the lint trap before using it again, and inspect the dryer duct periodically because lint can get stuck in there often.
Avoiding Fire Damage
It's difficult to get rid of all possible fire hazards, but knowing the most common causes of house fires can eliminate your risk substantially. If you have experienced any fire damage to your home, don't wait to call a professional that offers fire restoration services, like Paul Davis. We are fire restoration contractors that can get your property brought back to where it was before.
