What is the Most Common Cause of a House Fire - Fire Damage Restoration
House fires can be daunting, and they materialize more often than people might think. The National Fire Protection Association has chronicled that there are more than 300,000 house fires annually in the United States, and they are responsible for the injuries and deaths of both civilians and firefighters. Fire restoration contractors like Paul Davis have performed many fire restoration services because of these numbers. It's necessary to understand the most common ways a house fire is caused, because any potential for fire shouldn't be neglected. To better prepare yourself, we've organized a set of the most common causes of house fires.
Inattentive When Cooking
Cooking is one of the primary causes of house fires, and a fire often ignites when the stove is left alone. Many fire damage restoration services have been required because of neglected activities in the kitchen. If you're required to leave the kitchen for any reason, make sure another person is there to keep an eye on the cooking.
Equipment Using Electricity
Anything that uses an electrical current in your home can act as a fire risk. Review your appliances to see if any of the cords are faulty, since that poses a major fire hazard. Another thing to recognize is your outlets. Don't overload them.
Candles
Candles are pleasing items to place around the house. They embellish your space and make your home smell nice, but they are also a severe fire hazard. Keep your candles away from potential fire hazards such as magazines, newspapers and draperies, and always make sure the wick isn't burning when you leave the room.
Smoking
When it comes to fire hazards, cigarettes are dangerous because they can fall to the floor and burn for a long period of time. Leaving your house to smoke is an excellent approach to avoid this risk.
Defective Wiring
Any electrical issues in your house, such as bad wiring, can put your property at risk for fire. Defective 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 recognize any of these things, call an experienced electrician or contact your landlord to fix the issue.
BBQ Equipment
For most people, a barbecue is a part of their residence for the summer. Remember, it's important that your barbecue isn't close to anything that can catch on fire from it. Also, have it cleaned and maintained frequently, since the buildup that collects in your barbecue can be a fire risk. Additionally, you need to examine the gas bottle routinely for leaks or other possible issues.
Children's Curiosity
Children are normally curious, and fire can be appealing to them. Hide all matches and lighters in your home to keep your children free from harm. You can also teach them what to do in the circumstance of a fire and to memorize their address in the event they need to call 911.
Contents That Are Combustible
Specific liquids should be kept away from any source of heat, and you should always look through the label to see if they are flammable.
Christmas Trees During December
Christmas trees deliver holiday cheer into the home, but they are also a danger for house fires. If you like having a live tree, it's necessary to cut off a small section from the trunk so the tree has the ability to soak up water. You should also be diligent about watering your tree and keeping it hydrated. Before going to sleep for the evening, make sure your Christmas lights are turned off as well. Furthermore, you could procure an artificial tree to refrain from the fire hazard altogether.
Laundry Machines
Fires caused from dryers are rather common, and that's why it's vital to keep them maintained. To prevent your property from needing fire restoration services, always clean out the lint trap before using it again, and examine the dryer duct periodically because lint can get stuck in there as well.
Fire Damage Prevention to Your House
It's difficult to remove all possible risks for fire, but understanding the most common causes of house fires can eliminate your risk significantly. If you have experienced any fire damage to your home, don't hesitate to call a professional that provides fire restoration services, like Paul Davis. We are a fire restoration company that can have your home brought back to its previous state.