Fire Damage Repair – The Most Common Factor of House Fires

Fire damage happens to homes quite often, and they can be a scary thing to deal with. Based off information by the National Fire Protection Association, there are more than 300,000 house fires annually in the United States, and they are responsible for the injuries and deaths of firefighters and civilians. Along with this data, businesses like Paul Davis have given fire clean up services for many houses. It’s important to know the most common ways a house fire is caused, because any potential for fire shouldn’t be overlooked. We’ve compiled a list of the most common fire hazards so that you can inhibit a fire from taking place in your home.

Not Paying Attention While Cooking

Preparing meals in the home is one of the major culprits to house fires, especially when no one is there to watch the kitchen. Many fire remediation services have been needed because of neglected activities in the kitchen. It’s a good idea to remain in the kitchen while preparing your food, or to get someone to keep an eye on it if you leave the room.

Appliances Using Electricity

Anything that operates using an electrical current in your property can pose as a fire risk. Look over your appliances to see if any of the cords are broken, since that poses a major risk for fire. Consistently determine that your electrical outlets are not being overused.

Candles Left Ignited

One of the more pleasant items to keep around the home are candles. They enhance your space and make your home smell nice, but they are also an extreme risk for fire. Make sure to put out your candles before departing the room, and put them in an area where they won’t fall or burn other objects around them.

Smoking in Your Home

Cigarettes have been a fire hazard for years, since they can keep burning for a few hours, and if they come into contact with anything flammable, you can have a huge problem on your hands. Smoking outdoors is an excellent method to stay away from this risk.

A House with Faulty Wiring

Any electrical complications in your home, such as defective 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 diagnose any faulty wiring in your house:

  • 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 catch any of these things, call an experienced electrician or call your landlord to resolve the issue.

Barbecue Equipment

For most individuals, a barbecue is a part of their property for the summer months. Remember, it’s important that your grill isn’t nearby anything that can catch on fire from it. Maintaining your barbecue is also critical since the buildup in it can put you at risk of fire. Additionally, you should examine the gas bottle regularly for leaks or other possible problems.

Kids

Fire is intriguing for a child’s curiosity, and that’s why you need to take every precaution. Hide all matches and lighters in your home to keep your children protected. Take added protections and make sure your kids know how to clear the area and that they know their address if they need to call 911.

Contents That Are Combustible

Before storing your liquids, read the label to make sure the substance isn’t flammable, otherwise don’t keep them by a heat source.

Christmas Trees During the Winter

Christmas trees provide holiday cheer into the home, but they are also a big fire hazard. Cutting an inch from the trunk will allow your tree to soak up water, and it’s necessary to do this before it is placed in the tree stand. You should also be vigilant about ensuring your tree is watered and hydrated. Another thing you should do is turn off your Christmas lights when you go to bed. You could favor buying an artificial tree to prevent a fire hazard.

Dryers

Fires caused from dryers are rather prevalent, and that’s why it’s integral to keep them maintained. To prevent your house from needing fire damage cleaning services, always clean out the lint trap before using it again, and check the dryer duct consistently because lint can get stuck in there often.

Preventing Fire Damage

It’s impossible to get rid of all possible risks for fire, but knowing the most typical causes of house fires can eradicate your risk significantly. If you have experienced any fire damage to your property, don’t wait to call a professional that provides fire damage cleaning services, like Paul Davis. We are a fire damage restoration company that can get your house brought back to its previous state.