The Most Common Factors for Fires in Homes
Fire damage presents itself to houses quite regularly, and they can be a scary thing to deal with. According to the National Fire Protection Association, there are more than 300,000 house fires annually in the United States, and they are liable for the deaths and injuries of firefighters and civilians. Along with these numbers, businesses like Paul Davis have given fire clean up services for many houses. It's necessary to understand the most common ways a house fire is caused, because any chance for fire shouldn't be ignored. To better prepare yourself, we've composed a category of the most common causes of house fires.
Being Distracted in the Kitchen
Cooking is one of the most common causes of house fires, and a fire typically transpires when the stove is isn't being watched. Many fire damage restoration services have been necessary because of unattended activities in the kitchen. It's critical to linger in the kitchen while cooking, or to get someone to watch it if you leave the room.
Accessories 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. If any of your electrical appliances have a bad cord, then they are a fire risk. Furthermore, what you need to keep in mind is your outlets. For your safety, restrict what you plug into them.
Candles Left Burning
Candles are delightful pieces to place around the home. They are decorative and make your home fragrant, but they are also an extreme fire hazard. Make sure to extinguish your candles before leaving the room, and place them in a location where they won't fall over or ignite other things around them.
Smoking Inside
When it comes to fire hazards, cigarettes are dangerous on account of they can fall to the floor and stay lit for a long period of time. Departing from your home to smoke is the best idea to bypass this risk.
A House with Faulty Wiring
Homes with damaged wiring generate electrical problems which can lead to a house fire. Faulty wiring is troublesome 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 you notice any of these things, call an expert electrician or call your landlord to fix the problem.
BBQs & Grills
Having a grill may be an essential part of your residence, 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 collects in your grill can be a fire hazard. Examining your gas bottle routinely is another important step in securing your safety.
Children
Kids are naturally curious, and fire can be enticing for them. Hide all matches and lighters in the house to keep your children protected. Take added steps and ensure your children understand how to vacate the house and that they know their address if they need to call 911.
Storing Combustible Liquids
Specific liquids should be kept away from any source of heat, and you should always read the label to see if they are a risk for fire.
Christmas Trees During December
Every winter, holiday cheer is brought into the home through Christmas trees along with a possible house fire. Cutting a small section from the base will allow your tree to soak up water, and it's necessary to do this before you set it up. Watering your tree regularly and keeping it hydrated is also an essential 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 refrain from the fire hazard altogether.
Laundry Machines
Fires caused from dryers are quite frequent, and that's why it's critical to keep them maintained. To prevent your residence from needing fire damage cleaning services, always clean out the lint trap before using it again, and examine the dryer duct regularly because lint can get stuck in there often.
Prevention
It's impossible to get rid of all potential risks for fire, but understanding the most frequent causes of house fires can eradicate your risk significantly. If you have experienced any fire damage to your residence, don't hesitate to call a professional that offers fire damage cleaning services, like Paul Davis. We are a fire damage restoration company that can have your house brought back to its previous state.