The Most Common Factor for Fire Damage Repair Services
House fires are a frightening thing, and they materialize more regularly than people might think. The National Fire Protection Association has recorded that more than 300,000 houses in America suffer from fire damage annually. Fire clean up companies like Paul Davis have done many fire clean up services because of these numbers. The potential of a house fire shouldn’t be neglected, and that’s why it’s good to understand what the most common causes of house fires are. To better prepare yourself, we’ve compiled 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 oversee the activities in the kitchen. A lot of properties have needed fire damage restoration services because of food being left on the stove with no one to keep an eye on it. It’s imperative to wait in the kitchen while cooking, or to have someone to watch it if you depart from the room.
Electrical Current & Your Appliances
Appliances that use an electrical current, such as toasters and portable heaters should be monitored and put in areas that aren’t risky. Checkup on your appliances to see if any of the cords are worn out, because that poses a major fire hazard. Additionally, what you need to keep in mind is your outlets. You don’t want to overload the circuit.
Candles Left Unattended
Candles are delightful things to place around the home. They enhance your space and make your home fragrant, but they are also a big risk for fire. Make sure to blow out your candles before leaving the room, and place them in a location where they won’t fall or burn other objects around them.
Smoking in Your Home
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 major problem on your hands. Leaving your home to smoke is an excellent way to avoid an accident from occurring.
Faulty Wiring
Properties with damaged wiring produce electrical issues which can lead to a house fire. This presents an issue because it’s not in plain sight, but there are some things you can watch out for to diagnose any faulty wiring in your property:
- 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, contact a professional electrician or call your landlord to fix the problem.
Barbecues & Grills
Having a grill may be an essential part of your house, and they’re an excellent thing to have throughout the summer months. Remember, it’s necessary that your grill isn’t near anything that can catch on fire from it. Cleaning your grill is also critical because the buildup in it can be a fire hazard. Additionally, you should check the gas bottle routinely for leaks or other possible issues.
Children 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 an emergency from occurring. Take additional steps and ensure your kids know how to clear the area and that they know their address if they need to call 911.
Liquids That Are Combustible
Specific liquids should be stored away from any source of heat, and you should always check the label to see if they are flammable.
Christmas Tree
Every December, holiday cheer is provided to the home through Christmas trees along with a possible house fire. If you like having a live tree, you should cut off an inch from the trunk so the tree can absorb water. Watering your tree frequently and keeping it hydrated is also a necessary step. Before turning in for the evening, check to see that your Christmas lights are turned off too. Additionally, you could get an artificial tree to avoid the risk altogether.
Not Cleaning Out the Dryer Duct
Fires generated from dryers are rather common, and that’s why it’s important to keep them clean. To prevent your property from needing fire clean up services, always clean out the lint trap before using it again, and inspect the dryer duct regularly because lint can get stuck in there as well.
Prevention
It’s difficult to get rid of all possible fire hazards, but knowing the most typical causes of house fires can eliminate your risk significantly. If you have experienced any fire damage to your home, don’t wait to call a professional that offers fire clean up services, like Paul Davis. We are a fire clean up company that can get your home restored back to its previous state.
