The Most Common Factor for Fire Damage Restoration Services
House fires are scary, and they happen more frequently than people might think. According to 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 these statistics, businesses like Paul Davis have provided fire damage cleaning services for many houses. The risk of a house fire shouldn't be neglected, and that's why it's important to understand what the most common causes of house fires are. We've organized a list of the most common fire risks so that you can avert a fire from taking place in your home.
Cooking in the Kitchen
Making meals in the home is one of the major culprits to house fires, especially when no one is there to keep an eye on the kitchen. Many houses have been in need of fire damage repairs because of food being left on the stove with no one to lookout after it. It's a good idea to wait in the kitchen while cooking, or to have someone to monitor it if you leave the room.
Electrical Current & Your Devices
Any appliances that use electricity can act as a fire risk. If any of your electrical equipment has a worn out cord, then they are a fire hazard. Consistently make sure your electrical outlets are not crowded.
Candles in Your House
One of the more enjoyable pieces to place around the house are candles. They embellish your space and make your house fragrant, but they are also an extreme risk for fire. Keep your candles away from likely fire hazards such as books, newspapers and draperies, and always extinguish them when you leave the room.
Cigarettes Inside
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 big issue on your hands. Smoking outside is an excellent way to avoid this hazard.
Electrical Issues Damaged Wiring
Any electrical complications in your residence, such as defective wiring, can expose your property to fire. This presents a problem because it's not in plain sight, but there are a few things you can look out for to recognize 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 this is your predicament, fix the issue and reach out to an electrician or contact your landlord.
BBQs & Grills
Having a barbecue may be a main part of your house, and they're a fine thing to have during the summer months. Nevertheless, check that it's not close to your home or any plants and trees. Also, have it cleaned and maintained regularly, because the buildup that occurs in your barbecue can be a fire risk. Inspecting your gas bottle consistently is another important step in establishing your safety.
Kids in the House
Kids are usually curious, and fire can be exciting for them. Keep any matches or lighters out of reach or hidden to avoid a catastrophe from occurring. Take additional protections and make sure your kids understand how to vacate the house and that they know their address if they need to call 911.
Placing Flammable Liquids
When you're storing your liquids, always check the label to make sure the contents aren't a fire hazard, otherwise don't store them by a heat source.
Christmas Tree
Every winter, holiday festivity is provided to the home through Christmas trees along with a possible house fire. If you have a live tree, you should cut off a small section from the trunk so the tree can absorb water. You should also be vigilant about ensuring your tree is watered and hydrated. Before going to bed for the night, make sure your Christmas lights are turned off as well. Additionally, you could buy an artificial tree to avoid the fire hazard altogether.
Dryers Not Being Cleaned
Fires produced from dryers are rather prevalent, and that's why it's integral to keep them clean. To prevent your house from needing fire clean up services, always clean out the lint trap before using it again, and examine the dryer duct frequently because lint can get stuck in there often.
Prevention
It's difficult to get rid of all possible fire hazards, but knowing the most common causes of house fires can eradicate your risk significantly. If you have experienced any fire damage to your home, don't hesitate to call a professional that provides fire clean up services, like Paul Davis. We are fire restoration contractors that can have your home restored back to its previous state.