Fire Damage Restoration - The Most Common Factor of House Fires
Home fires are a frightening thing, and they materialize more frequently than people might think. Based off data by the National Fire Protection Association, there are more than 300,000 house fires annually in the United States, and they are responsible for the deaths and injuries of firefighters and civilians. Along with these statistics, businesses like Paul Davis have supplied fire damage restoration services for many houses. It's necessary to understand the most common ways a house fire is caused, because any potential for fire shouldn't be overlooked. We've listed out the most common fire risks so that you can avert a fire from happening in your home.
Being Distracted from Cooking
Preparing meals in the house is one of the prime culprits to house fires, especially when no one is there to oversee the activities in the kitchen. Many fire damage repairs have been required because of neglected cooking. If it's necessary for you to retire from the kitchen for any reason, make sure another person is there to keep an eye on the cooking.
Electrical Current & Your Equipment
Appliances that use electricity, such as coffee makers and microwaves should be checked up on and put in areas that aren't risky. Checkup on your appliances to see if any of the cords are faulty, since that is a major risk for fire. Another thing to be cautious about is your outlets. Don't plug too many things into them.
Candles
One of the more satisfying pieces to place around the home are candles. They are ornamental and make your home smell nice, but they are also a big risk for fire. Keep your candles away from possible fire hazards such as magazines, papers and curtains, and always extinguish them when you leave the room.
Cigarettes
Cigarettes have been a fire hazard for decades, because they can stay lit for a few hours, and if they come into contact with anything flammable, you can have a severe issue on your hands. Departing from your residence to smoke is an excellent idea to avert this risk.
A Residence with Bad Wiring
Any electrical problems in your residence, such as defective wiring, can expose your property to fire. Bad wiring is puzzling 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 a professional electrician or call your landlord to fix the problem.
BBQ Equipment
Having a barbecue may be an essential part of your house, and they're an excellent thing to have during the summer. Remember, it's necessary that your barbecue isn't in proximity to anything that can ignite from it. Cleaning your barbecue is also necessary since the buildup in it can be a fire hazard. Inspecting your gas bottle regularly is another vital step in securing your safety.
Curious Kids in the Home
Fire is exciting for a child's curiosity, and that's why it's necessary to take preventative measures. Hide all matches and lighters in your home to keep your children protected. You can also teach them how to handle the circumstance of a fire and to memorize their address in case they need to call 911.
Storing Combustible Contents
Before storing your liquids, read the label to make sure the substance isn't a fire hazard, otherwise don't keep them by a heat source.
Christmas Trees During the Winter
Every winter, holiday cheer is delivered to the home through Christmas trees along with a potential house fire. Cutting an inch from the trunk will allow your tree to soak up water, and this should be done before it goes in the tree stand. Watering your tree consistently and keeping it hydrated is also a vital step. Before going to sleep for the night, check to see that your Christmas lights are turned off too. Additionally, you could acquire an artificial tree to avert the fire hazard altogether.
Not Cleaning Out the Dryer Duct
Fires caused from dryers are quite prevalent, 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 regularly because lint can get stuck in there often.
Preventing Fire Damage
It's difficult to remove all possible fire hazards, but knowing the most common causes of house fires can eradicate your risk substantially. If you have encountered any fire damage to your home, don't wait to call a professional that provides fire remediation services, like Paul Davis. We are a fire restoration company that can have your property brought back to its previous state.
