What is the Most Common Cause of a House Fire - Fire Damage Restoration
Fire damage happens to houses quite frequently, and they can be an alarming thing to deal with. The National Fire Protection Association has listed that more than 300,000 houses across the United States come across fire damage in a year. Fire restoration contractors like Paul Davis have executed many fire restoration services because of this data. The chance of a house fire shouldn't be overlooked, and that's why it's necessary to know what the most common causes of house fires are. We've organized a list of the most common fire hazards so that you can avoid a fire from happening in your home.
Cooking in the Kitchen
Making meals in the house is one of the major culprits to house fires, especially when no one is there to monitor the kitchen. Many houses have needed fire damage repairs because of food being left on the stove with no one to lookout after it. It's critical to stay in the kitchen while preparing your meals, or to get someone to keep an eye on it if you depart from the room.
Electrical Equipment
Your appliances that use electricity can pose as a fire hazard. If any of your electrical gear has a frayed cord, then they are a fire hazard. Always confirm that your electrical outlets are not being overused.
Candles
One of the more satisfying pieces to have around the house are candles. They enhance your space and make your house fragrant, but they are also a huge risk for fire. Make sure to put out your candles before leaving the room, and place them in an area where they won't fall over or ignite other things around them.
Cigarettes Indoors
When it comes to fire hazards, cigarettes are dangerous since they can fall to the ground and burn for a few hours. Departing from your residence to smoke is the best way to bypass an accident from occurring.
Electrical Issues Faulty Wiring
Any electrical issues in your home, such as defective wiring, can put your property at risk for fire. Faulty wiring is difficult because you can't always see it, but here are some 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 this is your predicament, fix the problem and get an electrician or contact your landlord.
Barbecues & Grills
Having a grill may be a fundamental part of your property, and they're a great thing to have throughout the summer months. Nevertheless, make sure it's not close to your house or any plants and trees. Also, keep it cleaned and maintained on a regular basis, because the buildup that collects in your grill can be a fire hazard. Additionally, you need to check the gas bottle regularly for leaks or other possible issues.
Kids in the House
Kids are usually curious, and fire can be appealing to them. Keep any matches or lighters out of reach or hidden to avoid a catastrophe from occurring. You can also teach them what to do in the circumstance of a fire and to memorize their address in the event they need to call 911.
Flammable Liquids
Before storing your liquids, examine the label to make sure the contents aren't a fire hazard, otherwise don't store them by a heat source.
Christmas Trees During December
Every December, holiday festivity is delivered to the home through Christmas trees along with a possible house fire. Cutting a small section from the trunk will allow your tree to soak up water, and it's necessary to do this before you set it up. Watering your tree frequently and keeping it hydrated is also a necessary step. Before going to bed for the night, check to see that your Christmas lights are turned off too. Furthermore, you could acquire an artificial tree to avoid the fire hazard altogether.
Not Cleaning Out the Lint Trap
Fires generated from dryers are quite frequent, and that's why it's crucial to keep them maintained. To prevent your property from needing fire restoration services, always clean out the lint trap before using it again, and check the dryer duct regularly because lint can get trapped in there often.
Avoiding Fire Damage
It's impossible to get rid of all potential fire hazards, but knowing the most typical causes of house fires can eradicate your risk significantly. If you have experienced any fire damage to your residence, don't hesitate to call an expert that offers fire restoration services, like Paul Davis. We are a fire restoration company that can get your house restored back to where it was before.
