What is the Most Common Cause of a Home Fire - Fire Damage Repair
Fire damage happens to homes quite frequently, and they can be an alarming thing to deal with. The National Fire Protection Association has chronicled that there are more than 300,000 house fires a year in the United States, and they are liable for the injuries and deaths of firefighters and civilians. Professional fire damage repair companies like Paul Davis have done many fire restoration services because of these statistics. The chance of a house fire shouldn't be ignored, and that's why it's great to know what the most common causes of house fires are. We've composed a list of the most common fire hazards so that you can halt a fire from taking place in your home.
Leaving Food in the Oven
Preparing meals in the house is one of the primary culprits to house fires, especially when no one is there to keep an eye on the kitchen. A lot of properties have needed fire damage repairs because of food being left on the stove with no one to watch it. If you need to leave the kitchen for any reason, make sure another person is there to monitor the cooking.
Electrical Current & Your Equipment
Your electrical equipment and appliances can be a fire risk. Checkup on your appliances to see if any of the cords are worn out, since that is a major fire hazard. Also, what you need to remember is your outlets. For your safety, restrict what you plug into them.
Candles
One of the more satisfying pieces to have around the home are candles. Although they make for great decorations, they are also a major fire hazard. Keep your candles away from probable fire hazards such as books, papers and draperies, and always make sure the wick isn't burning when you leave the room.
Cigarettes
When it comes to fire hazards, cigarettes are risky because they can fall to the ground and stay lit for a few hours. Leaving your residence to smoke is an excellent way to bypass this risk.
A Home with Bad Wiring
Any electrical issues in your home, such as bad wiring, can put your property at risk for fire. Bad wiring is difficult because you can't always see it, but here are a few 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 experienced electrician or contact your landlord to resolve the problem.
BBQs & Grills
For most individuals, a barbecue is a part of their home for the warmer months. Yet, make sure it's not close to your house or any plants and trees. Maintaining your barbecue is also necessary since the buildup in it can put you at risk of fire. Additionally, you should inspect the gas bottle routinely for leaks or other potential problems.
Kids in the Home
Kids are normally curious, and fire can be exciting for them. Hide all matches and lighters in your home to keep your children free from harm. Take extra steps and make sure your kids know how to exit the house and that they know their address if they need to call 911.
Contents That Are Combustible
Certain liquids should be stored away from any source of heat, and you should always look through the label to see if they are a risk for fire.
Christmas Trees & Lights
Every winter, holiday joy is delivered to the home through Christmas trees along with a possible house fire. If you like having a live tree, you should cut off a small section from the trunk so the tree is able to soak up water. You should also be vigilant about ensuring your tree is watered and hydrated. One more task you should complete is turning off your Christmas lights when you go to sleep. Furthermore, you could acquire an artificial tree to avoid the fire hazard altogether.
Clothing Dryers
Fires produced from dryers are rather frequent, and that's why it's necessary to keep them maintained. To prevent your property 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 trapped in there as well.
Prevent Fire Damage to Your Home
It's impossible to get rid of all possible fire hazards, but knowing the most common causes of house fires can eradicate 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 clean up company that can get your property restored back to its previous state.