What is the Most Common Cause of a House Fire – Fire Damage Restoration

House fires are a frightening thing, and they occur more frequently than people might think. More than 300,000 homes in the United States, according to the National Fire Protection Association, encounter fire damage annually. Fire clean up companies like Paul Davis have completed many fire damage cleaning services because of this data. It’s good 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 composed a collection of the most common causes of house fires.

Getting Distracted in the Kitchen

Cooking is one of the primary causes of house fires, and a fire typically happens when the stove is isn’t being watched. Many fire clean up services have been needed because of forgotten activities in the kitchen. It’s imperative to wait in the kitchen while preparing your meals, or to ask someone to keep an eye on it if you depart from the room.

Electrical Current & Your Accessories

Anything that uses electricity in your property can be a fire risk. If any of your electrical gear has a bad cord, then they are a fire risk. Consistently make sure your electrical outlets are not crowded.

Neglected Candles

One of the more fun pieces to keep around the home are candles. They are decorative and make your home fragrant, but they are also a major fire hazard. Make sure to extinguish your candles before exiting the room, and place them in an area where they won’t fall or burn other objects around them.

Cigarettes Indoors

When it comes to fire hazards, cigarettes are dangerous on account of they can fall to the floor and burn for a long period of time. Smoking outside is an excellent idea to stay away from this accident.

Electrical Issues Bad Wiring

Any electrical problems in your home, such as faulty wiring, can expose your property to fire. Bad wiring is difficult because you can’t always see it, but here are some 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 reach out to an electrician or call your landlord.

BBQ Equipment

For most individuals, a barbecue is a part of their residence for the summer months. Remember, it’s necessary that your barbecue isn’t close to anything that can catch on fire from it. Also, keep it cleaned and maintained regularly, since the buildup that occurs in your barbecue can be a fire risk. Checking your gas bottle on a regular basis is another necessary step in establishing your safety.

Children’s Curiosity

Kids are typically curious, and fire can be exciting for them. Keep any matches or lighters out of reach or hidden to avoid an accident from happening. Take added precautions and ensure your children know how to exit the house and that they know their address if they need to call 911.

Liquids That Are Combustible

Specific liquids should be kept away from any source of heat, and you should always read the label to see if they are flammable.

Christmas Trees During December

Every winter, holiday festivity is provided to the home through Christmas trees along with a possible house fire. Cutting a small section from the base will let your tree soak up water, and it’s necessary to do this before it is placed in the tree stand. You should also be vigilant about ensuring your tree is watered and hydrated. Before turning in for the night, check to see that your Christmas lights are turned off as well. You could consider purchasing an artificial tree to avoid a fire hazard.

Dryers Not Being Cleaned

Fires caused from dryers are rather common, and that’s why it’s crucial to keep them clean. To prevent your residence from needing fire clean up services, always clean out the lint trap before using it again, and examine the dryer duct consistently because lint can get stuck in there as well.

Fire Damage Prevention to Your Residence

It’s impossible to remove all potential risks for fire, but knowing the most typical causes of house fires can eradicate your risk significantly. If you have experienced any fire damage to your property, don’t wait to call an expert that provides fire clean up services, like Paul Davis. We are fire restoration contractors that can have your property recovered back to where it was before.