The Most Common Causes for Fires in Houses
Fire damage happens to homes quite regularly, and they can be a scary thing to deal with. More than 300,000 homes in the United States, according to the National Fire Protection Association, experience fire damage in a year. Fire restoration contractors like Paul Davis have completed many fire restoration services because of these statistics. It's good to understand the most common ways a house fire is caused, because any potential for fire shouldn't be ignored. To ensure your preparedness, we've arranged a category of the most common causes of house fires.
Neglecting Food in the Oven
Making meals in the home is one of the main culprits to house fires, especially when no one is there to monitor the kitchen. Many fire damage repairs have been needed because of neglected activities in the kitchen. If you're required to leave the kitchen for any reason, make sure another person is there to oversee the cooking.
Your Electrical Equipment
Anything that needs electricity in your house can pose as a fire hazard. Review your appliances to see if any of the cords are broken, because that is a major fire hazard. Constantly make sure your electrical outlets are not being overused.
Candles in Your Property
One of the more pleasant things to have around the house are candles. They are decorative and make your house aromatic, but they are also an extreme fire hazard. Keep your candles away from potential fire hazards such as books, newspapers and curtains, and always blow them out when you leave the room.
Smoking Indoors
Cigarettes have been a fire hazard for decades, considering they can stay lit for a few hours, and if they come into contact with anything flammable, you can have a severe problem on your hands. Exiting your residence to smoke is an excellent approach to bypass an accident from happening.
Damaged Wiring
Residences with defective wiring generate electrical issues which can lead to a house fire. Damaged wiring is difficult because you can't always see it, but here are a few things to watch 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 you notice any of these things, call an experienced electrician or call your landlord to resolve the issue.
Grills
For most individuals, a barbecue is a part of their property for the summer. However, check that it's not near your home or any plants and trees. Also, have it cleaned and maintained routinely, because the buildup that occurs in your barbecue can be a fire hazard. Examining your gas bottle consistently is another essential step in ensuring your safety.
Kids
Fire is intriguing for a child's curiosity, and that's why it's important to take preventative measures. Hide all matches and lighters in your home to keep your children safe. You can also educate them what to do in the circumstance of a fire and to memorize their address in case they need to call 911.
Contents That Are Flammable
When you're storing your liquids, always look through the label to make sure the substance isn't a fire hazard, otherwise don't keep them next to a heat source.
Having a Christmas Tree in Your Residence
Christmas trees deliver holiday festivities into the house, but they are also a huge fire hazard. If you like having a live tree, it's necessary to cut off an inch from the trunk so the tree can soak up water. Watering your tree frequently and keeping it hydrated is also an essential step. Before going to sleep for the evening, check to see that your Christmas lights are turned off too. You could consider purchasing an artificial tree to limit a fire hazard.
Dryer Ducts
Fires generated from dryers are very common, and that's why it's integral to keep them maintained. To prevent your property from needing fire damage cleaning services, always clean out the lint trap before using it again, and check the dryer duct consistently because lint can get stuck in there often.
Fire Damage Prevention to Your Residence
It's impossible to get rid of all potential fire hazards, but knowing the most frequent causes of house fires can eliminate your risk substantially. If you have encountered any fire damage to your house, don't hesitate to call an expert that offers fire damage cleaning services, like Paul Davis. We are a fire damage restoration company that can get your home recovered back to its previous state.
