Fire Damage Repair - The Most Common Cause of Home Fires

Fire damage happens to homes quite regularly, and they can be an alarming thing to deal with. 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 deaths and injuries of firefighters and civilians. Fire restoration contractors like Paul Davis have completed many fire clean up services because of this data. The risk of a house fire shouldn't be overlooked, and that's why it's great to know what the most common causes of house fires are. We've listed out the most common fire threats so that you can avoid a fire from occurring in your home.

Forgetting Food on the Stove

Cooking is one of the main causes of house fires, and a fire typically transpires when the stove is isn't being watched. A lot of houses have been in need of fire damage restoration services because of food being left on the stove with no one to watch it. It's necessary to remain in the kitchen while preparing your food, or to ask someone to monitor it if you exit the room.

Your Electrical Devices

Anything that operates using an electrical current in your residence can act as a fire risk. Look over your appliances to see if any of the cords are malfunctioning, since that is a major fire hazard. Constantly make sure your electrical outlets are not crowded.

Forgotten Candles

Candles are charming things to have around the house. Even though they make for elegant decorations, they are also an extreme fire hazard. Make sure to extinguish your candles before departing the room, and put them in an area where they won't fall over or burn other things around them.

Cigarettes in Your Room

When it comes to fire hazards, cigarettes are dangerous because they can fall to the ground and stay lit for a few hours. Smoking outside is the best method to reduce this accident.

Electrical Problems Bad Wiring

Homes with damaged wiring generate electrical issues which can lead to a house fire. This presents an issue since it's not in plain sight, but there are a few things you can look out for to diagnose 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 you recognize any of these things, call a professional electrician or contact your landlord to fix the issue.

Grills on Your Property

For most people, a grill is a part of their home for the warmer months. Yet, make sure it's not close to your house or any plants and trees. Also, have it cleaned and maintained regularly, since the buildup that occurs in your barbecue can be a fire risk. Inspecting your gas bottle frequently is another crucial step in establishing your safety.

Kids

Fire is enticing for the curiosity of a child, and that's why you need to take preventative measures. Keep any matches or lighters out of reach or hidden to avoid a calamity from developing. Take extra steps and make sure your kids know how to clear the area and that they know their address if they need to call 911.

Placing Flammable Contents

Certain liquids should be kept away from any source of heat, and you should always check the label to see if they are flammable.

Christmas Trees During December

Every winter, holiday cheer is delivered to the home through Christmas trees along with a possible house fire. Cutting a small section from the trunk will let your tree absorb water, and this should be done before you set it up. Watering your tree frequently and keeping it hydrated is also an essential step. One more thing you should do is turn off your Christmas lights when you go to bed. You could favor getting an artificial tree to rule out a fire hazard.

Dryers

Fires generated from dryers are quite common, and that's why it's vital to keep them maintained. To prevent your property from needing fire restoration services, always clean out the lint trap before using it again, and examine the dryer duct consistently because lint can get stuck in there often.

Avoiding Fire Damage

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 experienced any fire damage to your residence, don't wait to call a professional that offers fire restoration services, like Paul Davis. We are a fire restoration company that can have your home recovered back to where it was before.