The Most Common Factors for Fires in Homes
Fire damage occurs to homes quite often, 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 responsible for the deaths and injuries of both civilians and firefighters. Fire restoration companies like Paul Davis have done many fire restoration services because of these numbers. The likelihood of a house fire shouldn't be left unnoticed, and that's why it's important to know what the most common causes of house fires are. We've listed out the most common fire risks so that you can avoid a fire from occurring in your home.
Inattentive While Cooking
Preparing meals in the house is one of the main culprits to house fires, especially when no one is there to keep an eye on the kitchen. Many fire damage repairs have been necessary because of neglected cooking. It's imperative to linger in the kitchen while preparing your meals, or to ask someone to monitor it if you move away from the room.
Appliances Using Electricity
Appliances that use an electrical current, such as toasters and portable heaters need to be monitored and put in places that aren't risky. Check your appliances to see if any of the cords are faulty, because that is a major risk for fire. Another thing to keep in mind is your outlets. For your safety, limit what you plug into them.
Candles in Your Home
Candles are welcoming objects to have around the house. Even though they make for great decorations, they are also a primary risk for fire. Keep your candles away from probable fire hazards such as books, papers and curtains, and always blow them out when you leave the room.
Cigarettes in Your Home
When it comes to fire hazards, cigarettes are risky because they can drop on the ground and stay lit for a long period of time. Smoking outdoors is the best way to reduce this hazard.
Electrical Problems Damaged Wiring
Any electrical issues in your home, such as defective wiring, can expose your property to fire. This poses a problem because it's not in plain sight, but there are a few things you can watch 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 the situation for you, fix the problem and reach out to an electrician or call your landlord.
BBQ Equipment
For most individuals, a grill is a part of their property for the summer months. Yet, make sure it's not in proximity to your house or any plants and trees. Also, have it cleaned and maintained regularly, because the buildup that occurs in your grill can be a fire hazard. Inspecting your gas bottle regularly is another necessary step in establishing your safety.
Children's Curiosity
Fire is alluring for the curiosity of a child, and that's why it's important to take every precaution. Hide all matches and lighters in your home to keep your children free from harm. You can also educate them how to deal with the incident of a fire and to memorize their address in the event they need to call 911.
Liquids 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 During the Winter
Christmas trees bring holiday cheer into the house, but they are also a risk for house fires. If you have a live tree, it's necessary to cut off a small section from the trunk so the tree is able to soak up water. Watering your tree frequently and keeping it hydrated is also a crucial step. Another task you should complete is turning off your Christmas lights when you go to sleep. You could consider getting an artificial tree to counter a fire hazard.
Laundry Machines
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 clean up services, always clean out the lint trap before using it again, and examine the dryer duct frequently because lint can get trapped in there as well.
Prevention
It's impossible to get rid of all potential risks for fire, but knowing the most frequent 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 damage restoration company that can have your property restored back to its previous state.
