Fire Damage Repair - The Most Common Factor of Residential Fires
House fires are scary, and they materialize more often than people might think. 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 deaths and injuries of both civilians and firefighters. Along with this data, businesses like Paul Davis have given fire clean up services for many houses. It's important to understand the most common ways a house fire is caused, because any probability for fire shouldn't be neglected. For your preparation, we've arranged a list of the most common causes of house fires.
Cooking in the Kitchen
Cooking is one of the main causes of house fires, and a fire typically occurs when the stove is isn't being watched. A lot of houses have been in need of fire damage repairs because of food being left on the stove with no one to lookout after it. If you need to depart from the kitchen for any reason, make sure another person is there to look after the cooking.
Electrical Appliances
Appliances that use an electrical current, such as coffee makers and microwaves should be monitored and put in places that aren't risky. Check your appliances to see if any of the cords are broken, since that poses a major risk for fire. Also, what you need to remember is your outlets. You don't want to overload the circuit.
Candles in Your Property
Candles are pleasant things to have around the house. They enhance your space and make your home aromatic, but they are also an extreme risk for fire. Make sure to extinguish your candles before leaving the room, and place them in a location where they won't fall over or burn other objects around them.
Smoking in Your Property
When it comes to fire hazards, cigarettes are dangerous because they can drop on the ground and stay lit for a few hours. Exiting your home to smoke is an excellent approach to bypass this risk.
Electrical Issues Defective Wiring
Any electrical complications in your home, such as faulty wiring, can put your property at risk for fire. Defective wiring is problematic because you can't always see it, but here are some 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 you detect any of these things, contact an experienced electrician or call your landlord to resolve the problem.
Grills in Your Yard
For most people, a grill is a part of their property for the summer. Remember, it's important that your grill isn't nearby anything that can ignite from it. Also, keep it cleaned and maintained regularly, since the buildup that occurs in your grill can be a fire risk. Additionally, you should check the gas bottle consistently for leaks or other potential problems.
Children
Fire is appealing for the curiosity of a child, and that's why it's necessary to take preventative measures. Keep any matches or lighters out of reach or hidden to avoid a disaster from occurring. You can also train them what to do in the circumstance of a fire and to memorize their address in the event they need to call 911.
Liquids That Are Combustible
When you're storing your liquids, always check the label to make sure the substance isn't flammable, otherwise don't keep them by a heat source.
Having a Christmas Tree in Your Residence
Christmas trees bring holiday festivities into the home, but they are also a huge fire hazard. If you like having a live tree, you should cut off a small section from the trunk so the tree can soak up water. You should also be active about making sure your tree is watered and hydrated. Another thing you should do is turn off your Christmas lights when you go to sleep. Furthermore, you could acquire an artificial tree to avert the risk altogether.
Not Cleaning Out the Lint Trap
Fires generated from dryers are rather common, and that's why it's crucial to keep them clean. To prevent your home from needing fire damage cleaning services, always clean out the lint trap before using it again, and examine the dryer duct regularly because lint can get stuck in there often.
Prevention
It's difficult to remove all possible 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 property, don't wait to call an expert that offers 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.