The Most Common Causes for Fires in Houses

Fire damage happens to houses quite often, and they can be an alarming thing to deal with. More than 300,000 homes throughout America, according to the National Fire Protection Association, encounter fire damage annually. Fire remediation companies like Paul Davis have completed many fire damage cleaning services because of these statistics. It's necessary to know the most common ways a house fire is caused, because any probability for fire shouldn't be ignored. For your preparation, we've compiled a selection of the most common causes of house fires.

Being Distracted in the Kitchen

Cooking is one of the primary causes of house fires, and a fire usually flares up when the stove is isn't being watched. Many fire damage repairs have been needed because of neglected cooking. If it's necessary for you to exit the kitchen for any reason, make sure another person is there to look after the cooking.

Electrical Current & Your Appliances

Appliances that use electricity, such as coffee makers and microwaves need to be checked up on and put in places that aren't risky. Review your appliances to see if any of the cords are damaged, because that poses a great risk for fire. Consistently make sure your electrical outlets are not overloaded.

Forgotten Candles

One of the more nice things to place around the house are candles. They enhance your space and make your house aromatic, but they are also an extreme risk for fire. Make sure to extinguish your candles before leaving the room, and place them in an area where they won't fall or ignite other things around them.

Smoking in Your Residence

Cigarettes have been a fire hazard for years, considering they can keep burning for a few hours, and if they come into contact with anything flammable, you can have a big problem on your hands. Smoking outdoors is an excellent method to stay away from this accident.

Electrical Issues Damaged Wiring

Any electrical problems in your house, such as defective wiring, can put your property at risk for fire. Damaged 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 this is the case for you, fix the problem and reach out to an electrician or contact your landlord.

Barbecues & Grills

Having a grill may be a fundamental part of your home, and they're an excellent thing to have throughout the summer. However, make sure it's not in proximity to your home or any plants and trees. Also, keep it cleaned and maintained routinely, because the buildup that occurs in your grill can be a fire risk. Additionally, you need to inspect the gas bottle frequently for leaks or other potential issues.

Curious Children in the Home

Fire is alluring for the curiosity of a child, and that's why you need to take preventative measures. Hide all matches and lighters in your home to keep your children safe. 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.

Liquids That Are Flammable

Before storing your liquids, look through the label to make sure the contents aren't flammable, otherwise don't store them by a heat source.

Having a Christmas Tree in Your House

Every December, holiday cheer is brought into the home through Christmas trees along with a probable house fire. If you like having a live tree, it's necessary to cut off a small section from the trunk so the tree can absorb water. Watering your tree regularly and keeping it hydrated is also a vital step. Before going to sleep for the evening, make sure your Christmas lights are turned off as well. Furthermore, you could procure an artificial tree to refrain from the risk altogether.

Dryer Ducts

Fires caused from dryers are very prevalent, and that's why it's critical to keep them clean. To prevent your home from needing fire restoration services, always clean out the lint trap before using it again, and examine the dryer duct regularly because lint can get trapped in there as well.

Fire Damage Prevention to Your House

It's difficult to get rid of all possible risks for fire, but knowing the most frequent causes of house fires can eradicate your risk significantly. If you have encountered any fire damage to your property, don't wait to call an expert that offers fire restoration services, like Paul Davis. We are fire restoration contractors that can get your house brought back to its previous state.