The Most Common Factors for Fires in Homes

Fire damage happens to homes quite regularly, and they can be an alarming thing to deal with. Based off information by the National Fire Protection Association, there are more than 300,000 house fires a year in the United States, and they are liable for the injuries and deaths of firefighters and civilians. Along with these statistics, businesses like Paul Davis have provided fire clean up services for many homes. It’s important to understand the most common ways a house fire is caused, because any potential for fire shouldn’t be neglected. We’ve listed out the most common fire hazards so that you can halt a fire from occurring in your home.

Being Distracted in the Kitchen

Making meals in the house is one of the prime culprits to house fires, especially when no one is there to monitor the kitchen. Many fire clean up services have been necessary because of unattended activities in the kitchen. It’s a good idea to wait in the kitchen while cooking, or to have someone to watch it if you leave the room.

Electrical Appliances

Any electrical equipment and appliances can pose as a fire risk. Review your appliances to see if any of the cords are malfunctioning, since that poses a major risk for fire. Regularly verify your electrical outlets are not overloaded.

Candles in Your Residence

Candles are charming objects to keep around the house. They look great and make your house fragrant, but they are also an extreme 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 over or burn other things around them.

Cigarettes in Your Residence

Cigarettes have been a fire hazard for decades, because they can keep burning for a few hours, and if they come into contact with anything flammable, you can have a major issue on your hands. Leaving your residence to smoke is an excellent approach to bypass this risk.

Electrical Problems Defective Wiring

Any electrical problems in your house, such as defective wiring, can put your property at risk for fire. Defective 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 you notice any of these things, call a professional electrician or contact your landlord to resolve the problem.

Barbecue Equipment

Having a grill may be a main part of your property, and they’re a wonderful thing to have throughout the summer. However, check that it’s not near your house or any plants and trees. Also, have it cleaned and maintained routinely, since the buildup that occurs in your grill can be a fire risk. Examining your gas bottle on a regular basis is another vital step in ensuring your safety.

Kids

Fire is attractive 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 avoid a catastrophe from taking effect. Take additional care and make sure your children understand how to clear the area and that they know their address if they need to call 911.

Flammable Liquids

When you’re storing your liquids, always examine the label to make sure the substance isn’t a fire hazard, otherwise don’t store them by a heat source.

Having a Christmas Tree in Your House

Every December, holiday festivity is provided to the home through Christmas trees along with a potential house fire. If you have a live tree, it’s necessary to cut off an inch from the trunk so the tree is able to soak up water. You should also be diligent about watering your tree and keeping it hydrated. 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 avert the fire hazard altogether.

Dryer Ducts

Fires caused from dryers are very common, and that’s why it’s necessary to keep them clean. To prevent your property from needing fire remediation services, always clean out the lint trap before using it again, and examine the dryer duct frequently because lint can get trapped in there as well.

Prevention

It’s impossible to get rid of all potential risks for fire, but understanding the most typical causes of house fires can eradicate your risk substantially. If you have encountered any fire damage to your house, don’t hesitate to call an expert that offers fire remediation services, like Paul Davis. We are fire restoration contractors that can have your house restored back to where it was before.