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The word “fire” can bring instant fear to the mind, and recent reports of house fires have become a significant cause for concern. It is unacceptable that an act of nature, such as lightning strikes, or an accident with a candle, can cause so much destruction and devastation. However, the reality is that these disasters can be avoided – if you’re aware of the most common causes of house fires, and how to prevent them. In this blog post, we will look at the major offenders for the most common causes of house fires, as well as the precautions homeowners can take in order to reduce the chance of a tragedy occurring.
1. Cooking Mishaps
Responsible for an estimated 45 percent of all house fires, cooking can, unfortunately, be one of the main contributors to dangerous, home-bound flames. Placing items that are flammable, such as potholders, towels, and oven mitts, too close to the cooktop, or leaving items such as cooking utensils on the stove can increase the chances of a fire breaking out. To avoid such hair-raising incidents, always keep flammable items, such as fabrics and paper, at least three feet away from the cooktop, and consider utilizing a separate timer to remind yourself you're cooking, especially if you have a busy home.
2. Faulty Electrical Appliances
We rely on electricity to power a wide variety of appliances, including our cell phones, computers, and TVs. As a result, faulty wiring that results in electric short circuits can lead to fires. In the United States alone, electrical malfunctions are responsible for an estimated 27 percent of house fires. To stay safe and prevent wiring issues from escalating, only combine compatible appliances. Consider hiring a professional electrician to inspect and tweak any outdated electrical systems and to ensure everything is correctly wired.
3. Smoking
Smoking inside the house is never advisable, and it is estimated to be the cause of 18 percent of home fires. Cigarettes can create embers that fall onto furniture, floors, and carpets, and can ignite the material should it come into contact with a spark. To reduce the risk of fire, always smoke outside and extinguish cigarettes in large, deep ashtrays that are placed in an area that won’t easily ignite if exposed to a spark.
4. Heating Equipment
All that cozy warmth that radiates from our fireplaces, space heaters, and portable heaters can all be a serious hazard if not monitored properly. Heating equipment that is too close to flammable material can start the devastating cycle of a house fire. Heaters should always be positioned on a level surface, at least three feet away from any fabric materials such as clothes, curtains, and furniture.
5. Unattended Children
Young children can cause a fire unintentionally, and most of them are unaware of the risks associated with flames. It is important to discuss safety with children, making sure they know not to run around with matches or lighters. Parents should also store matches, lighters, and any other flammable items in a secure location where children cannot access them.
6. Candles
Candles are often seen as a peaceful and decorative addition to a home. Sadly, they are an extremely common cause of house fires. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, an estimated 8,200 residential fires in the U.S. each year are related to candles. To reduce the risk of a house fire caused by candles, it is important to never leave candles unattended. It is also important to place candles away from anything flammable, including furniture, curtains, and bedding. Make sure to only use sturdy candle holders that won’t tip over easily and never place burning candles anywhere near combustible items. Lastly, always make sure to extinguish candles before leaving the room or going to bed.
It is important to be aware that the most common causes of house fires can be prevented. Here are some key tips to help homeowners keep the danger of flames at bay:
No property or life is worth its value if caught in a house fire. It is important to be aware of the hazards and to take all necessary precautions to minimize any chance of such a tragedy occurring. House fires can happen at any time, and the true tragedy of such devastating events is that in the majority of cases, they can be avoided. Homeowners need to be vigilant when it comes to potential fire risks, taking preventative measures and always being aware of the most common causes of house fires. By being aware of potential dangers and following the simple steps outlined in this blog post, homeowners can go a long way in making sure their properties remain fire-free.
If you find yourself having endured the misfortune of a house fire, it is important to call a fire damage restoration provider to help return your home to its prior condition as soon as possible and help to mitigate any further damages.
Clean Air Crew understands the devastation that can come from fire and smoke damage. That’s why, in addition to our professional cleaning and restoration services, we also offer fire damage restoration services in Ocean Springs, MS. Our experienced technicians have the expertise and special cleaning products needed to repair and restore both the interior and exterior parts of your home or business. We can remove soot and smoke residue, eliminate odors, and repair any structural damage caused by the fire.
We understand you may feel overwhelmed, so our staff goes above and beyond to provide you with a seamless transition back to the way life was before the fire occurred. We make sure to follow all safety protocols and use the most advanced cleaning products available. Plus, we offer 24-hour emergency services, so you can be sure that we’ll be there when you need us.
Contact Clean Air Crew for your fire damage restoration needs—we’re here to help.
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