Fire Damage Repair – The Most Common Cause of Residential Fires

Fire damage happens to houses quite regularly, and they can be a scary thing to deal with. 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 liable for the deaths and injuries of both civilians and firefighters. Fire damage repair companies like Paul Davis have completed many fire restoration services because of these numbers. The likelihood of a house fire shouldn’t be ignored, and that’s why it’s good to understand what the most common causes of house fires are. We’ve listed out the most common fire threats so that you can avoid a fire from happening in your home.

Neglecting Food in the Oven

Cooking is one of the most common causes of house fires, and a fire often ignites when the stove is neglected. A lot of houses have needed fire damage repairs because of food being left on the stove with no one to keep an eye on it. It’s necessary to remain in the kitchen while cooking, or to get someone to keep an eye on it if you leave the room.

Electrical Current & Your Devices

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. Another thing to watch out for is your outlets. For your safety, check what you plug into them.

Candles

One of the more great features to have around the house are candles. Despite the fact they make for fashionable decorations, they are also an extreme risk for fire. Make sure to extinguish your candles before leaving the room, and put them in a location where they won’t fall over or ignite other things around them.

Cigarettes

When it comes to fire hazards, cigarettes are dangerous since they can drop on the ground and burn for a long period of time. Exiting your home to smoke is an excellent approach to avoid an accident from happening.

Bad Wiring

Any electrical complications in your residence, such as defective wiring, can expose your property to fire. Bad wiring is puzzling 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 this is the situation for you, fix the problem and get an electrician or contact your landlord.

Barbecues

Having a grill may be a main part of your home, and they’re a good thing to have throughout the summer. Remember, it’s vital that your grill isn’t in proximity to anything that can ignite from it. Maintaining your barbecue is also important since the buildup in it can be a fire hazard. Checking your gas bottle consistently is another important step in securing your safety.

Children

Children are typically curious, and fire can be alluring to them. Hide all matches and lighters in the house to protect the safety of your children. You can also train them how to handle the incident of a fire and to memorize their address in the event they need to call 911.

Contents That Are Combustible

Specific liquids should be stored away from any source of heat, and you should always look through the label to see if they are a risk for fire.

Christmas Trees & Lights

Christmas trees deliver holiday cheer into the house, but they are also a major fire hazard. 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 diligent about watering your tree and keeping it hydrated. Before going to bed for the night, make sure your Christmas lights are turned off as well. Additionally, you could get an artificial tree to avert the risk altogether.

Dryer Ducts

Fires generated from dryers are quite common, and that’s why it’s necessary to keep them maintained. To prevent your home from needing fire damage cleaning 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.

Preventing Fire Damage

It’s impossible to remove all possible 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 house, don’t wait to call a professional that offers fire damage cleaning services, like Paul Davis. We are fire restoration contractors that can have your residence brought back to where it was before.

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