What is the Most Common Cause of a Home Fire - Fire Damage Remediation
Home fires are scary, and they happen more frequently than people might think. The National Fire Protection Association has reported that more than 300,000 houses throughout the United States suffer from fire damage annually. Along with these numbers, businesses like Paul Davis have given fire damage restoration services for many homes. It's necessary to know the most common ways a house fire is caused, because any likelihood for fire shouldn't be disregarded. We've listed out the most common fire threats so that you can counter a fire from happening in your home.
Cooking
Cooking is one of the most common causes of house fires, and a fire often happens when the stove is neglected. Many fire damage repairs have been necessary because of neglected activities in the kitchen. If you're required to leave the kitchen for any reason, make sure someone else is there to keep an eye on the cooking.
Electrical Current & Your Devices
Anything that uses electricity in your house can act as a fire risk. Check your appliances to see if any of the cords are malfunctioning, because that is a great risk for fire. Another thing to be cautious about is your outlets. For your safety, check what you plug into them.
Candles Left Burning
Candles are charming items to place around the house. Although they make for great decorations, they are also an extreme risk for fire. Make sure to extinguish your candles before exiting the room, and put them in a location where they won't fall over or burn other things around them.
Smoking
When it comes to fire hazards, cigarettes are risky on account of they can fall to the floor and burn for a few hours. Smoking outside is an excellent method to reduce this accident.
Electrical Problems Faulty Wiring
Homes with faulty wiring generate electrical problems which can lead to a house fire. Faulty wiring is troublesome 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 this is the situation for you, resolve the issue and reach out to an electrician or call your landlord.
Barbecues & Grills
For most people, a barbecue is a part of their home for the summer. However, make sure it's not near your house or any plants and trees. Maintaining your barbecue is also crucial because the buildup in it can put you at risk of fire. Examining your gas bottle frequently is another vital step in ensuring your safety.
Curious Children in the Home
Children are usually curious, and fire can be intriguing for them. Hide all matches and lighters in the house to secure the safety of your children. Take extra precautions and ensure your children know how to clear the area and that they know their address if they need to call 911.
Placing Combustible Liquids
When you're storing your liquids, always check the label to make sure the contents aren't flammable, otherwise don't keep them by a heat source.
Having a Christmas Tree in Your Home
Christmas trees bring holiday joy into the home, but they are also a major fire hazard. Cutting a small section from the trunk will let your tree absorb water, and it's necessary to do this before it goes in the tree stand. You should also be attentive about watering your tree and keeping it hydrated. Another task you should complete is turning off your Christmas lights when you go to bed. You could consider getting an artificial tree to rule out a fire hazard.
Not Cleaning Out the Lint Trap
Fires caused from dryers are very frequent, and that's why it's critical to keep them clean. To prevent your home from needing fire remediation services, always clean out the lint trap before using it again, and inspect the dryer duct frequently because lint can get trapped in there often.
Preventing Fire Damage
It's difficult to remove all possible fire hazards, but knowing the most frequent causes of house fires can remove your risk substantially. If you have experienced any fire damage to your house, don't hesitate to call a professional that offers fire remediation services, like Paul Davis. We are fire restoration contractors that can have your property brought back to its previous state.