What is the Most Common Cause of a House Fire - Fire Damage Repair
House fires are a frightening thing, and they transpire more often than people might think. According to the National Fire Protection Association, there are more than 300,000 house fires a year in the United States, and they are responsible for the injuries and deaths of both civilians and firefighters. Fire remediation companies like Paul Davis have done many fire clean up services because of this data. The potential of a house fire shouldn't be disregarded, and that's why it's necessary to understand what the most common causes of house fires are. To ensure your preparedness, we've compiled a set of the most common causes of house fires.
Getting Distracted from Cooking
Making meals in the house is one of the primary culprits to house fires, especially when no one is there to oversee the actions in the kitchen. Many fire damage repairs have been required because of forgotten activities in the kitchen. If it's necessary for you to exit the kitchen for any reason, make sure someone else is there to oversee the cooking.
Your Electrical Devices
Appliances that use an electrical current, such as toasters and portable heaters should be watched after and put in places that aren't risky. Checkup on your appliances to see if any of the cords are faulty, because that is a major fire hazard. Another thing to recognize is your outlets. Don't overload them.
Candles
Candles are refreshing objects to have around the house. They are decorative and make your home fragrant, but they are also an extreme fire hazard. Make sure to blow out your candles before exiting the room, and put them in a location where they won't fall or ignite other things around them.
Smoking Indoors
When it comes to fire hazards, cigarettes are risky on account of they can drop on the floor and stay lit for a long period of time. Exiting your house to smoke is an excellent idea to avert this risk.
Faulty Wiring
Homes with faulty wiring generate electrical issues which can lead to a house fire. Faulty wiring is puzzling because you can't always see it, but here are a few things to look 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 this is the situation for you, resolve the problem and get an electrician or contact your landlord.
Barbecues on Your Property
For most individuals, a barbecue is a part of their residence for the summer. Remember, it's imperative that your barbecue isn't nearby anything that can ignite from it. Cleaning your barbecue is also important because the buildup in it can put you at risk of fire. Checking your gas bottle on a regular basis is another necessary step in establishing your safety.
Curious Children in the House
Fire is enticing for the curiosity of a child, and that's why it's necessary to take preventative measures. Hide all matches and lighters in the house to secure the safety of your children. You can also educate them how to handle the situation of a fire and to memorize their address in the event they need to call 911.
Contents That Are Flammable
Specific liquids should be kept away from any source of heat, and you should always examine the label to see if they are flammable.
Christmas Tree
Every December, holiday cheer is delivered 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 it's necessary to do this before you set it up. You should also be attentive about making sure your tree is watered and hydrated. Before turning in for the night, check to see that your Christmas lights are turned off as well. Additionally, you could buy an artificial tree to avert the fire hazard altogether.
Lint Traps
Fires caused from dryers are rather prevalent, and that's why it's crucial to keep them clean. To prevent your house from needing fire remediation services, always clean out the lint trap before using it again, and check the dryer duct consistently because lint can get trapped in there as well.
Prevention
It's difficult to remove all possible fire hazards, but knowing the most typical causes of house fires can eradicate your risk substantially. 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 fire restoration contractors that can get your residence brought back to its previous state.