The Most Common Factors for Fires in Homes
Fire damage occurs to houses quite often, and they can be a frightening thing to deal with. Based off information by 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. Fire damage repair companies like Paul Davis have provided many fire damage cleaning services because of this data. It's necessary to know the most common ways a house fire is caused, because any chance for fire shouldn't be neglected. We've arranged a list of the most common fire threats so that you can inhibit a fire from taking place in your home.
Getting Distracted in the Kitchen
Cooking is one of the main causes of house fires, and a fire often flares up when the stove is left unattended. Many fire damage restoration services have been required because of neglected activities in the kitchen. If you need to retire from the kitchen for any reason, make sure another person is there to look after the cooking.
Equipment Using Electricity
Appliances that use an electrical current, such as coffee makers and microwaves need to be watched after and put in locations that aren't risky. If any of your electrical appliances have a worn out cord, then they are a fire hazard. Regularly check to see that your electrical outlets are not overloaded.
Candles Left Unattended
One of the more great pieces to keep around the home are candles. Despite the fact they make for great decorations, they are also an extreme risk for fire. Keep your candles away from likely fire hazards such as magazines, papers and curtains, and always make sure the wick isn't burning when you leave the room.
Cigarettes Inside
Cigarettes have been a fire hazard for decades, since they can keep burning for a few hours, and if they come into contact with anything flammable, you can have a huge problem on your hands. Exiting your residence to smoke is the best approach to avoid an accident from occurring.
Electrical Issues Bad Wiring
Any electrical problems in your house, such as damaged wiring, can put your property at risk for fire. This poses a problem since it's not in plain sight, but there are some things you can watch out for to pinpoint any faulty wiring in your residence:
- 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 problem and reach out to an electrician or contact your landlord.
Grills
For most people, a grill is a part of their property for the warmer months. Remember, it's necessary that your grill isn't nearby anything that can catch on fire from it. Also, keep it cleaned and maintained regularly, since the buildup that collects in your grill can be a fire risk. Inspecting your gas bottle routinely is another necessary step in securing your safety.
Children's Curiosity
Fire is enticing for a child's curiosity, and that's why it's crucial to take preventative measures. Keep any matches or lighters out of reach or hidden to avoid a catastrophe from developing. You can also teach them what to do in the situation of a fire and to memorize their address in the event they need to call 911.
Flammable Liquids
Specific liquids should be kept away from any heat source, and you should always read the label to see if they are a risk for fire.
Christmas Tree
Every winter, holiday festivity is delivered to the home through Christmas trees along with a viable house fire. If you have a live tree, you should cut off a small section from the trunk so the tree can soak up water. Watering your tree frequently and keeping it hydrated is also a vital step. Before turning in for the evening, check to see that your Christmas lights are turned off as well. You could consider acquiring an artificial tree to counter a fire hazard.
Clothing Dryers
Fires caused from dryers are quite frequent, and that's why it's integral 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 check the dryer duct frequently because lint can get stuck in there as well.
Preventing Fire Damage
It's impossible to remove all possible risks for fire, but understanding the most frequent causes of house fires can remove your risk substantially. If you have encountered any fire damage to your property, don't hesitate to call a professional that offers fire damage cleaning services, like Paul Davis. We are fire restoration contractors that can get your house restored back to where it was before.