Fire Damage Clean Up - The Most Common Factor of House Fires
House fires can be alarming, and they transpire more often than people might think. The National Fire Protection Association has chronicled that 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 homes. It's good to know the most common ways a house fire is caused, because any chance for fire shouldn't be overlooked. We've arranged a list of the most common fire hazards so that you can prevent a fire from occurring in your home.
Not Paying Attention When Cooking
Preparing meals in the house is one of the major culprits to house fires, especially when no one is there to keep an eye on the kitchen. A lot of homes have been in need of fire damage restoration services because of food being left on the stove with no one to keep an eye on it. It's critical to stay in the kitchen while preparing your meals, or to ask someone to monitor it if you leave the room.
Equipment Using Electricity
Electrical appliances, such as coffee makers and microwaves should be checked up on and put in locations that aren't risky. If any of your electrical devices have a worn out cord, then they are a fire risk. Regularly make sure your electrical outlets are not crowded.
Candles in Your Home
Candles are pleasant objects to place around the house. They look great and make your house smell nice, but they are also an extreme fire hazard. Keep your candles away from potential fire hazards such as books, papers and curtains, and always extinguish them when you leave the room.
Cigarettes in Your Home
When it comes to fire hazards, cigarettes are dangerous because they can drop on the floor and burn for a few hours. Smoking outdoors is the best way to reduce this accident.
A Property with Bad Wiring
Residences with defective wiring produce electrical issues which can lead to a house fire. This presents an issue since it's not in plain sight, but there are some things you can look 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 this is your dilemma, fix the issue and get an electrician or contact your landlord.
Barbecues & Grills
Having a grill may be an essential part of your house, and they're a wonderful thing to have during the summer months. However, make sure it's not nearby your house or any plants and trees. Also, have it cleaned and maintained regularly, since the buildup that occurs in your grill can be a fire risk. Checking your gas bottle routinely is another important step in securing your safety.
Children's Curiosity
Fire is exciting for a child's curiosity, and that's why it's important to take preventative measures. Keep any matches or lighters out of reach or hidden to avoid a disaster from happening. Take added protections and make sure your children know how to exit the house and that they know their address if they need to call 911.
Contents That Are Flammable
Specific liquids should be kept away from any heat source, and you should always read the label to see if they are flammable.
Christmas Tree
Every December, holiday cheer is provided to the home through Christmas trees along with a possible house fire. If you like having a live tree, it's necessary to cut off an inch from the trunk so the tree has the ability to soak up water. Watering your tree consistently and keeping it hydrated is also a crucial step. Another thing you should do is turn off your Christmas lights when you go to sleep. Additionally, you could procure an artificial tree to avert the fire hazard altogether.
Laundry Machines
Fires caused from dryers are rather common, and that's why it's integral to keep them clean. 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 frequently because lint can get stuck in there as well.
Prevention
It's impossible to remove all potential fire hazards, but understanding the most common causes of house fires can remove your risk substantially. If you have encountered any fire damage to your home, don't hesitate to call an expert that provides fire damage cleaning services, like Paul Davis. We are a fire clean up company that can get your property brought back to its previous state.