Fire Damage Clean Up - The Most Common Factor of Residential Fires
House fires are scary, and they materialize more frequently than people might think. More than 300,000 homes throughout America, according to the National Fire Protection Association, experience fire damage annually. Along with this data, businesses like Paul Davis have supplied fire damage remediation services for many homes. The chance of a house fire shouldn't be left unnoticed, and that's why it's important to know what the most common causes of house fires are. We've listed out the most common fire risks so that you can inhibit a fire from happening in your home.
Neglecting Food in the Oven
Preparing meals in the house is one of the primary culprits to house fires, especially when no one is there to keep an eye on the kitchen. Many fire clean up services have been required because of unattended cooking. If you need to depart from the kitchen for any reason, make sure another person is there to monitor the cooking.
Electrical Current & Your Devices
Anything that uses an electrical current in your house can act as a fire risk. Look over your appliances to see if any of the cords are bad, because that poses a major risk for fire. Consistently verify your electrical outlets are not overloaded.
Candles in Your Home
Candles are delightful things to place around the house. Even though they make for fashionable decorations, they are also a major risk for fire. Make sure to blow out your candles before leaving the room, and put them in a location where they won't fall or burn other things around them.
Cigarettes Indoors
When it comes to fire hazards, cigarettes are risky because they can drop on the floor and burn for a few hours. Departing from your residence to smoke is the best approach to avert this risk.
A Residence with Bad Wiring
Homes with defective wiring create electrical problems which can lead to a house fire. Bad wiring is difficult because you can't always see it, but here are a few things to watch 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 notice any of these things, contact an experienced electrician or call your landlord to resolve the problem.
Barbecues on Your Property
For most individuals, a barbecue is a part of their residence for the summer. However, check that it's not in proximity to your house or any plants and trees. Cleaning your barbecue is also crucial because the buildup in it can put you at risk of fire. Additionally, you should check the gas bottle frequently for leaks or other potential problems.
Children
Fire is exciting for a child's curiosity, and that's why you need to take every precaution. Keep any matches or lighters out of reach or hidden to prevent a catastrophe from arising. You can also educate them how to deal with the situation of a fire and to memorize their address in the event they need to call 911.
Liquids 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 a risk for fire.
Christmas Trees in the Home
Every December, holiday joy is delivered to the home through Christmas trees along with a possible house fire. Cutting a small section from the trunk will allow your tree to absorb water, and it's necessary to do this before you set it up. Watering your tree frequently and keeping it hydrated is also a vital step. Before going to bed for the night, make sure your Christmas lights are turned off too. You could consider getting an artificial tree to limit a fire hazard.
Not Cleaning Out the Lint Trap
Fires caused from dryers are quite frequent, and that's why it's crucial to keep them maintained. To prevent your home from needing fire restoration services, always clean out the lint trap before using it again, and examine the dryer duct periodically because lint can get trapped in there often.
Prevention
It's impossible to remove all potential risks for fire, but knowing the most typical causes of house fires can remove your risk substantially. If you have encountered any fire damage to your house, don't wait to call a professional that offers fire restoration services, like Paul Davis. We are fire restoration contractors that can get your home restored back to its previous state.