The Most Common Factor for Fire Damage Remediation Services
Fire damage occurs to homes quite frequently, and they can be a scary thing to deal with. The National Fire Protection Association has shown that more than 300,000 houses across America come across fire damage in a year. Along with these numbers, businesses like Paul Davis have provided fire clean up services for many properties. The potential of a house fire shouldn't be overlooked, and that's why it's great to understand what the most common causes of house fires are. To better prepare yourself, we've organized a list of the most common causes of house fires.
Cooking in the Kitchen
Cooking is one of the primary causes of house fires, and a fire typically occurs when the stove is neglected. Many fire damage repairs have been required because of neglected activities in the kitchen. It's important to linger in the kitchen while cooking, or to get someone to keep an eye on it if you exit the room.
Accessories Using Electricity
Electrical appliances, such as toasters and portable heaters should be watched after and put in locations that aren't risky. If any of your electrical gear has a worn out cord, then they are a fire risk. Always verify your electrical outlets are not being overused.
Candles Left Ignited
Candles are refreshing pieces to keep around the house. While they make for great decorations, they are also a major risk for fire. Make sure to put out your candles before exiting the room, and place them in an area where they won't fall over or ignite other things around them.
Cigarettes
Cigarettes have been a fire hazard for a long time, since they can stay lit for a few hours, and if they come into contact with anything flammable, you can have a huge issue on your hands. Exiting your residence to smoke is the best idea to bypass this risk.
Bad Wiring
Any electrical problems in your home, such as bad wiring, can expose your property to fire. This presents an issue since it's not in plain sight, but there are some things you can watch out for to pinpoint any faulty wiring in your residence:
- 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 detect any of these things, call an experienced electrician or call your landlord to fix the issue.
Barbecues & Grills
For most individuals, a barbecue is a part of their property for the summer months. Remember, it's necessary that your grill isn't in proximity to anything that can catch on fire from it. Also, have it cleaned and maintained routinely, since the buildup that occurs in your grill can be a fire risk. Examining your gas bottle regularly is another important step in establishing your safety.
Children
Fire is appealing for the curiosity of a child, and that's why it's crucial to take preventative measures. Hide all matches and lighters in the house to secure the safety of your children. Take extra protections and make sure your kids understand how to clear the area and that they know their address if they need to call 911.
Flammable Liquids
Specific liquids should be kept away from any source of heat, and you should always check the label to see if they are flammable.
Christmas Trees During the Winter
Every winter, holiday joy 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 can absorb water. Watering your tree consistently and keeping it hydrated is also an essential step. Another task you should complete is turning off your Christmas lights when you go to sleep. You could consider getting an artificial tree to counter a fire hazard.
Lint Traps
Fires generated from dryers are rather frequent, and that's why it's vital to keep them clean. To prevent your residence from needing fire restoration services, always clean out the lint trap before using it again, and inspect the dryer duct consistently because lint can get stuck in there often.
Prevent Fire Damage to Your Home
It's impossible to remove all possible risks for fire, but understanding the most frequent causes of house fires can remove your risk significantly. If you have encountered any fire damage to your home, don't wait to call an expert that provides fire restoration services, like Paul Davis. We are a fire restoration company that can get your house recovered back to where it was before.