The Most Common Cause for Fire Damage Repair Services
House fires are scary, and they materialize more often than people might think. According to the National Fire Protection Association, there are more than 300,000 house fires a year in the United States, and they are liable for the injuries and deaths of both civilians and firefighters. Fire restoration companies like Paul Davis have done many fire damage cleaning services because of this data. The likelihood of a house fire shouldn't be overlooked, and that's why it's good to know what the most common causes of house fires are. To better prepare yourself, we've compiled a collection of the most common causes of house fires.
Not Paying Attention When Cooking
Cooking is one of the main causes of house fires, and a fire often happens when the stove is neglected. Many fire damage repairs have been needed because of unattended cooking. If it's necessary for you to leave the kitchen for any reason, make sure someone else is there to keep an eye on the cooking.
Electrical Current & Your Devices
Anything that operates using electricity in your property can be a fire hazard. If any of your electrical devices have a worn out cord, then they are a fire risk. Also, what you need to be cautious about is your outlets. Don't overload them.
Forgotten Candles
Candles are delightful things to keep around the home. Despite the fact they make for elegant decorations, they are also a huge risk for fire. Keep your candles away from likely fire hazards such as books, papers and draperies, and always blow them out when you leave the room.
Smoking Inside
Cigarettes have been a fire hazard for a long time, since they can keep burning for a few hours, and if they come into contact with anything flammable, you can have a huge issue on your hands. Smoking outside is the best way to stay away from this hazard.
A Residence with Faulty Wiring
Residences with damaged wiring create electrical problems which can lead to a house fire. This poses an issue since it's not in plain sight, but there are a few things you can look out for to identify any faulty wiring in your property:
- 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 predicament, fix the issue and reach out to an electrician or call your landlord.
BBQ Equipment
Having a barbecue may be an essential part of your property, and they're an excellent thing to have during the summer months. Remember, it's vital that your barbecue isn't nearby anything that can catch on fire from it. Also, keep it cleaned and maintained on a regular basis, since the buildup that collects in your barbecue can be a fire hazard. Additionally, you should check the gas bottle frequently for leaks or other possible issues.
Children
Fire is appealing for the curiosity of a child, and that's why it's crucial to take every precaution. Keep any matches or lighters out of reach or hidden to avoid an emergency from taking place. You can also educate them how to handle the incident of a fire and to memorize their address in case they need to call 911.
Contents That Are Combustible
Certain liquids should be kept away from any source of heat, and you should always look through the label to see if they are a risk for fire.
Christmas Trees & Lights
Christmas trees provide holiday festivities into the home, but they are also a danger for home fires. If you have a live tree, you should cut off an inch from the trunk so the tree has the ability to absorb water. You should also be attentive about watering your tree and keeping it hydrated. Before turning in for the night, make sure your Christmas lights are turned off as well. Additionally, you could procure an artificial tree to refrain from the fire hazard altogether.
Not Cleaning Out the Lint Trap
Fires produced from dryers are very prevalent, and that's why it's important to keep them clean. To prevent your property from needing fire restoration services, always clean out the lint trap before using it again, and inspect the dryer duct regularly because lint can get stuck in there as well.
Fire Damage Prevention to Your Residence
It's impossible to remove all possible fire hazards, but knowing the most common causes of house fires can eradicate your risk substantially. If you have encountered any fire damage to your property, don't hesitate to call a professional that offers fire restoration services, like Paul Davis. We are a fire damage restoration company that can have your property brought back to its previous state.
