Fire damage happens to homes quite regularly, and they can be a frightening thing to deal with. More than 300,000 homes across America, according to the National Fire Protection Association, suffer from fire damage in a year. Fire restoration contractors like Paul Davis have provided many fire clean up services because of this data. It’s important to understand the most common ways a house fire is caused, because any potential for fire shouldn’t be disregarded. To better prepare yourself, we’ve organized a category of the most common causes of house fires.
Neglecting Food on the Stove
Preparing meals in the home is one of the primary culprits to house fires, especially when no one is there to monitor the kitchen. Many fire damage repairs have been required because of unattended cooking. It’s necessary to stay in the kitchen while cooking, or to get someone to keep an eye on it if you exit the room.
Electrical Current & Your Accessories
Electrical appliances, such as coffee makers and microwaves need to be watched after and put in areas that aren’t risky. If any of your electrical devices have a bad cord, then they are a fire risk. Constantly follow up that your electrical outlets are not being overused.
Forgotten Candles
Candles are delightful materials to keep around the home. They look great and make your home smell nice, but they are also a major risk for fire. Make sure to blow out your candles before leaving the room, and place them in an area where they won’t fall or burn other things around them.
Smoking Inside
When it comes to fire hazards, cigarettes are risky since they can drop on the ground and stay lit for a long period of time. Departing from your residence to smoke is the best way to bypass an accident from happening.
Faulty Wiring
Any electrical problems in your house, such as faulty wiring, can put your property at risk for fire. This poses an issue since it’s not in plain sight, but there are some things you can look out for to identify any faulty wiring in your house:
- 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 situation for you, fix the issue and reach out to an electrician or contact your landlord.
Barbecues & Grills
For most individuals, a barbecue is a part of their property for the summer. Remember, it’s necessary that your barbecue isn’t near anything that can catch on fire from it. Also, have it cleaned and maintained regularly, since the buildup that occurs in your barbecue can be a fire risk. Additionally, you need to inspect the gas bottle frequently for leaks or other possible issues.
Kids in the Home
Fire is appealing for the curiosity of a child, and that’s why it’s important to take every precaution. Keep any matches or lighters out of reach or hidden to prevent a catastrophe from happening. Take additional care and ensure your kids understand how to clear the area and that they know their address if they need to call 911.
Contents That Are Combustible
Before storing your liquids, look through the label to make sure the contents aren’t a fire hazard, otherwise don’t keep them by a heat source.
Christmas Trees in the Home
Every winter, holiday cheer is provided to the home through Christmas trees along with a viable house fire. Cutting a small section from the base will allow your tree to absorb water, and this should be done before you set it up. Watering your tree consistently and keeping it hydrated is also a vital step. Another thing you should do is turn off your Christmas lights when you go to bed. You could favor getting an artificial tree to prevent a fire hazard.
Lint Traps
Fires caused from dryers are quite frequent, and that’s why it’s important to keep them clean. To prevent your house from needing fire remediation services, always clean out the lint trap before using it again, and inspect the dryer duct frequently because lint can get stuck in there often.
Fire Damage Prevention to Your Home
It’s difficult to remove all potential risks for fire, but knowing the most common causes of house fires can remove your risk significantly. If you have encountered any fire damage to your house, don’t wait to call a professional that offers fire remediation services, like Paul Davis. We are a fire clean up company that can get your home brought back to its previous state.
