Fire Damage Clean Up - The Most Common Factor of House Fires
Fire damage happens to houses quite frequently, and they can be an alarming thing to deal with. 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 responsible for the deaths and injuries of firefighters and civilians. Along with this data, businesses like Paul Davis have provided fire clean up services for many properties. The chance of a house fire shouldn't be ignored, and that's why it's important to understand what the most common causes of house fires are. We've listed out the most common fire hazards so that you can counter a fire from happening in your home.
Not Paying Attention When Cooking
Cooking is one of the primary causes of house fires, and a fire often flares up when the stove is isn't being watched. Many fire damage repairs have been required because of unattended cooking. It's important to stay in the kitchen while preparing your meals, or to ask someone to watch it if you exit the room.
Accessories Using Electricity
Anything that uses an electrical current in your residence can act as a fire hazard. Checkup on your appliances to see if any of the cords are malfunctioning, since that poses a major risk for fire. Always verify your electrical outlets are not overloaded.
Candles in Your Home
One of the more nice features to keep around the house are candles. While they make for elegant decorations, they are also a major risk for fire. Keep your candles away from potential fire hazards such as magazines, papers and draperies, and always blow them out when you leave the room.
Cigarettes Inside
When it comes to fire hazards, cigarettes are risky since they can fall to the ground and burn for a few hours. Smoking outside is the best idea to stay away from this accident.
Electrical Issues Faulty Wiring
Properties with damaged wiring create electrical problems which can lead to a house fire. Faulty 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 recognize any of these things, contact an expert electrician or call your landlord to resolve the issue.
Barbecues & Grills
For most people, a grill is a part of their residence for the summer. Yet, make sure it's not nearby your home or any plants and trees. Also, have it cleaned and maintained regularly, since the buildup that occurs in your grill can be a fire hazard. Additionally, you need to examine the gas bottle regularly for leaks or other possible problems.
Kids in the House
Kids are usually curious, and fire can be alluring to them. Hide all matches and lighters in your home to establish the safety of your children. 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.
Contents That Are Flammable
Specific liquids should be stored away from any heat source, and you should always examine the label to see if they are flammable.
Christmas Trees in the Home
Christmas trees deliver holiday cheer into the house, 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 is able to soak up water. Watering your tree consistently and keeping it hydrated is also a vital step. One more task you should complete is turning off your Christmas lights when you go to bed. Also, you could purchase an artificial tree to avoid the fire hazard altogether.
Not Cleaning Out the Lint Trap
Fires produced from dryers are very common, and that's why it's vital to keep them clean. To prevent your property from needing fire damage cleaning services, always clean out the lint trap before using it again, and check the dryer duct regularly because lint can get trapped in there as well.
Fire Damage Prevention to Your Residence
It's impossible to get rid of all potential risks for fire, but understanding the most frequent causes of house fires can eliminate your risk substantially. If you have experienced any fire damage to your residence, don't hesitate to call a professional that provides fire damage cleaning services, like Paul Davis. We are fire restoration contractors that can have your residence recovered back to where it was before.