Fire Damage Remediation - The Most Common Factor of House Fires
Home fires are scary, and they happen more regularly than people might think. The National Fire Protection Association has reported that more than 300,000 houses across the United States come across fire damage in a year. Along with this data, businesses like Paul Davis have provided fire clean up services for many homes. It's important to know the most common ways a house fire is caused, because any probability for fire shouldn't be disregarded. For your preparation, we've assembled a collection of the most common causes of house fires.
Not Paying Attention While Cooking
Cooking is one of the main causes of house fires, and a fire often transpires when the stove is left alone. A lot of homes have been in need of fire damage repairs because of food being left on the stove with no one to watch it. If you need to exit the kitchen for any reason, make sure another person is there to oversee the cooking.
Electrical Devices
Appliances that use an electrical current, such as toasters and portable heaters should be checked up on and put in places that aren't risky. If any of your electrical gear has a worn out cord, then they are a fire risk. Another thing to be cautious about is your outlets. You don't want to overload the circuit.
Candles in Your Home
Candles are pleasing pieces to keep around the home. While they make for elegant decorations, they are also a primary risk for fire. Keep your candles away from likely fire hazards such as magazines, newspapers and draperies, and always make sure the wick isn't burning when you leave the room.
Cigarettes
Cigarettes have been a fire hazard for decades, since they can stay lit for a few hours, and if they come into contact with anything flammable, you can have a big problem on your hands. Exiting your home to smoke is the best idea to bypass an accident from happening.
Defective Wiring
Any electrical complications in your house, such as defective wiring, can expose your property to fire. This poses an issue since it's not in plain sight, but there are some things you can watch out for to pinpoint 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 your dilemma, resolve the problem and get an electrician or call your landlord.
Barbecues & Grills
For most people, a grill is a part of their home for the summer. Nevertheless, make sure it's not nearby your home or any plants and trees. Also, keep it cleaned and maintained regularly, since the buildup that occurs in your grill can be a fire risk. Examining your gas bottle frequently is another essential step in establishing your safety.
Kids in the Home
Fire is attractive for a child's curiosity, and that's why you need to take every precaution. Hide all matches and lighters in your home to ensure the safety of your children. Take additional precautions and ensure your children know how to clear the area and that they know their address if they need to call 911.
Placing Flammable Liquids
Specific liquids should be kept away from any heat source, and you should always check the label to see if they are flammable.
Having a Christmas Tree in Your Residence
Every winter, holiday cheer is provided to the home through Christmas trees along with a possible house fire. Cutting an inch from the trunk will allow your tree to soak up water, and this should be done before it goes in the tree stand. You should also be attentive about making sure your tree gets watered and hydrated. Before going to sleep for the night, check to see that your Christmas lights are turned off as well. Additionally, you could acquire an artificial tree to refrain from the risk altogether.
Lint Traps
Fires caused from dryers are quite frequent, and that's why it's integral to keep them clean. To prevent your residence from needing fire clean up services, always clean out the lint trap before using it again, and check the dryer duct frequently because lint can get trapped in there often.
Fire Damage Prevention to Your Residence
It's difficult to remove all potential fire hazards, but understanding the most typical causes of house fires can remove your risk substantially. If you have encountered any fire damage to your property, don't wait to call an expert that provides fire clean up services, like Paul Davis. We are a fire restoration company that can get your home recovered back to where it was before.
