Fire Damage Clean Up - The Most Common Factor of Residential Fires
House fires are scary, and they materialize more frequently than people might think. Based off data 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 both civilians and firefighters. Along with this data, businesses like Paul Davis have supplied fire damage restoration services for many houses. It's necessary to understand the most common ways a house fire is caused, because any probability for fire shouldn't be ignored. We've listed out the most common fire risks so that you can prevent a fire from taking place in your home.
Getting Distracted from Cooking
Preparing meals in the home is one of the prime culprits to house fires, especially when no one is there to watch the kitchen. Many houses have needed fire damage repairs because of food being left on the stove with no one to lookout after it. It's critical to wait in the kitchen while preparing your meals, or to have someone to monitor it if you exit the room.
Devices Using Electricity
Appliances that use an electrical current, such as coffee makers and microwaves should be monitored and put in places that aren't risky. If any of your electrical equipment has a frayed cord, then they are a fire risk. Consistently make sure your electrical outlets are not crowded.
Candles
Candles are delightful items to keep around the home. While they make for great decorations, they are also an extreme risk for fire. Make sure to extinguish your candles before departing the room, and place them in an area where they won't fall over or burn other objects around them.
Smoking in Your Room
Cigarettes have been a fire hazard for years, since they can stay lit for a few hours, and if they come into contact with anything flammable, you can have a severe issue on your hands. Departing from your residence to smoke is the best idea to bypass this risk.
Electrical Problems Damaged Wiring
Any electrical problems in your home, such as damaged wiring, can expose your property to fire. Damaged wiring is problematic because you can't always see it, but here are a few 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 this is the case for you, fix the issue and get an electrician or contact your landlord.
Barbecues
Having a grill may be an essential part of your house, and they're a great thing to have throughout the summer months. Remember, it's necessary that your grill isn't near anything that can catch on fire from it. Also, have it cleaned and maintained on a regular basis, because the buildup that occurs in your grill can be a fire risk. Inspecting your gas bottle consistently is another important step in establishing your safety.
Children's Curiosity
Children are naturally curious, and fire can be exciting for them. Keep any matches or lighters out of reach or hidden to prevent a disaster from occurring. You can also train them how to deal with the circumstance of a fire and to memorize their address in the event they need to call 911.
Liquids That Are Flammable
When you're storing your liquids, always check the label to make sure the substance isn't flammable, otherwise don't store them next to a heat source.
Christmas Trees During December
Every December, holiday joy is brought into the home through Christmas trees along with a possible house fire. Cutting an inch from the base will allow your tree to absorb water, and this should be done before it is placed in the tree stand. Watering your tree regularly and keeping it hydrated is also an essential step. Another thing you should do is turn off your Christmas lights when you go to bed. Furthermore, you could get an artificial tree to refrain from the risk altogether.
Dryer Ducts
Fires generated from dryers are rather frequent, and that's why it's necessary 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 consistently because lint can get trapped in there often.
Prevention
It's difficult to remove all potential fire hazards, but knowing the most common causes of house fires can remove your risk substantially. If you have experienced any fire damage to your house, don't hesitate to call a professional that provides fire clean up services, like Paul Davis. We are a fire clean up company that can get your home restored back to where it was before.