What is the Most Common Cause of a Home Fire - Fire Damage Repair
Home fires can be fearsome, and they occur more regularly than people might think. The National Fire Protection Association has documented that more than 300,000 houses in the United States encounter fire damage in a year. Professional fire damage restoration companies like Paul Davis have done many fire clean up services because of this data. The chance of a house fire shouldn't be disregarded, and that's why it's good to understand what the most common causes of house fires are. To better prepare yourself, we've composed a set of the most common causes of house fires.
Not Paying Attention While Cooking
Cooking is one of the more common causes of house fires, and a fire usually ignites when the stove is neglected. Many fire damage repairs have been required because of unattended activities in the kitchen. If you're required to depart from the kitchen for any reason, make sure someone else is there to keep an eye on the cooking.
Devices 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. Checkup on your appliances to see if any of the cords are faulty, since that poses a great risk for fire. Another thing to recognize is your outlets. Don't plug too many things into them.
Candles in Your Property
Candles are pleasing pieces to have around the house. They embellish your space and make your house aromatic, but they are also an extreme risk for fire. Keep your candles away from possible fire hazards such as magazines, papers and curtains, and always extinguish them when you leave the room.
Smoking Indoors
When it comes to fire hazards, cigarettes are dangerous because they can drop on the floor and stay lit for a few hours. Smoking outdoors is an excellent method to stay away from this hazard.
Electrical Issues Faulty Wiring
Any electrical problems in your house, such as defective wiring, can expose your property to fire. Faulty wiring is problematic because you can't always see it, but here are a few 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 the case for you, fix the issue and get an electrician or call your landlord.
Grills on Your Property
For most individuals, a grill is a part of their property for the warmer months. Nevertheless, check that it's not close to your house or any plants and trees. Maintaining your grill is also critical since the buildup in it can put you at risk of fire. Additionally, you need to check the gas bottle frequently for leaks or other possible issues.
Children's Curiosity
Fire is intriguing for the curiosity of a child, and that's why you need to take preventative measures. Hide all matches and lighters in the house to secure the safety of your children. You can also educate them how to handle the circumstance of a fire and to memorize their address in the event they need to call 911.
Combustible Contents
Before storing your liquids, read the label to make sure the contents aren't a fire hazard, otherwise don't keep them next to a heat source.
Christmas Tree
Every December, holiday joy is provided to the home through Christmas trees along with a possible house fire. Cutting an inch from the trunk will let your tree soak up water, and this should be done before you set it up. Watering your tree regularly and keeping it hydrated is also a vital step. Another task you should complete is turning off your Christmas lights when you go to sleep. Additionally, you could acquire an artificial tree to avert the risk altogether.
Lint Traps
Fires generated from dryers are very prevalent, and that's why it's necessary to keep them clean. To prevent your residence from needing fire damage cleaning services, always clean out the lint trap before using it again, and inspect the dryer duct regularly because lint can get stuck in there often.
Fire Damage Prevention to Your House
It's impossible to get rid of all possible fire hazards, but knowing the most frequent causes of house fires can eliminate your risk significantly. If you have encountered any fire damage to your residence, don't hesitate to call a professional that provides fire damage cleaning services, like Paul Davis. We are a fire restoration company that can get your property brought back to where it was before.
