The Most Common Factors for Fires in Houses
Fire damage occurs to houses quite regularly, and they can be a frightening thing to deal with. The National Fire Protection Association has chronicled that there are more than 300,000 house fires annually in the United States, and they are liable for the injuries and deaths of firefighters and civilians. Along with this data, businesses like Paul Davis have given fire clean up services for many properties. The likelihood of a house fire shouldn't be overlooked, and that's why it's good to understand what the most common causes of house fires are. We've arranged a list of the most common fire hazards so that you can inhibit a fire from taking place in your home.
Cooking in the Kitchen
Cooking is one of the main causes of house fires, and a fire usually occurs when the stove is neglected. Many properties have been in need of fire remediation services because of food being left on the stove with no one to lookout after it. If it's necessary for you to leave the kitchen for any reason, make sure another person is there to look after the cooking.
Devices Using Electricity
Appliances that use electricity, such as coffee makers and microwaves need to be monitored and put in places that aren't risky. Check your appliances to see if any of the cords are broken, because that is a major fire hazard. Another thing to recognize is your outlets. For your safety, check what you plug into them.
Candles Left Behind
Candles are refreshing things to keep around the house. While they make for ornate decorations, they are also an extreme fire hazard. Make sure to extinguish your candles before exiting the room, and put them in an area where they won't fall over or burn other objects around them.
Smoking Inside
Cigarettes have been a fire hazard for years, because they can keep burning for a few hours, and if they come into contact with anything flammable, you can have a severe issue on your hands. Smoking outside is the best idea to reduce this hazard.
Defective Wiring
Properties with damaged wiring generate electrical problems which can lead to a house fire. Defective wiring is puzzling because you can't always see it, but here are some 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 this is your dilemma, resolve the issue and get an electrician or call your landlord.
Barbecues
Having a grill may be a fundamental part of your house, and they're an excellent thing to have throughout the summer months. Remember, it's important that your grill isn't near anything that can ignite from it. Also, have it cleaned and maintained on a regular basis, because the buildup that occurs in your grill can be a fire risk. Additionally, you need to examine the gas bottle regularly for leaks or other potential issues.
Kids in the Home
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 the house to establish the safety of your children. Take additional precautions and make sure your kids understand how to exit the house and that they know their address if they need to call 911.
Contents That Are Flammable
Certain liquids should be kept away from any source of heat, and you should always examine the label to see if they are a risk for fire.
Having a Christmas Tree in Your Home
Every December, holiday festivity is delivered to the home through Christmas trees along with a potential house fire. If you have a live tree, it's necessary to cut off an inch from the trunk so the tree has the ability to absorb water. Watering your tree regularly and keeping it hydrated is also a necessary step. Before turning in 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 produced from dryers are quite common, and that's why it's important to keep them clean. To prevent your house from needing fire damage cleaning services, always clean out the lint trap before using it again, and check the dryer duct periodically because lint can get trapped in there often.
Avoiding Fire Damage
It's impossible to remove all possible risks for fire, but knowing the most typical causes of house fires can eradicate your risk substantially. If you have experienced any fire damage to your home, don't wait to call an expert that provides fire damage cleaning services, like Paul Davis. We are fire restoration contractors that can have your residence restored back to its previous state.
