House fires have well-known causes, but that doesn’t mean they can’t happen at any time. Fire is such an unpredictable power that it can swiftly escalate, turning what appeared to be a regular activity into a perilous one. These fire-related mishaps happen rapidly, but they can be fatal. Fires can quickly cost tens of thousands of dollars in damage, as well as result in injuries or death. When dealing with an open flame, everyone should exercise caution and be aware of what constitutes a fire hazard at home.
We’re going to provide you some tips on how to avoid fires in this post, but we understand how difficult that can be at first. That is why we are providing a free property damage inspection so that you can fix your home before any fires occur. For the time being. Prevention is preferable to cure. In all other circumstances, we quote Bob Riley, a politician who once stated, “If my house is on fire, I don’t need the fire chief telling me I shouldn’t have constructed the house out of wood.” “I need someone to put out the fire.”
Accidental injuries caused by fires can be extremely serious. Your family must actively fight to prevent the primary causes of home fires, from third-degree burns to smoke inhalation. Not to mention the destruction that a fire can cause to your home. The good news is that if your home has been damaged by fire, you can contact an experienced property damage attorney who will fight the insurance companies to make them pay.
The most common causes of house fires, the damage they inflict, and how to prevent them are listed below.
1. Preparing meals
Cooking fires are by far the most common cause of home fires, accounting for 48 percent of all residential fires reported. According to the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) Home Structure Fires 2019 Report, it is also the leading cause of home fire injuries and the second-highest cause of home fire deaths.
While kitchen fires are the most common cause of home fires, grease fires are usually the only ones that cause major damage. When the temperature of your cooking oil rises above 375 degrees Fahrenheit, it will begin to smoke and ultimately explode into flames. If you notice wisps of smoke, you must act quickly to prevent the fire from spreading.
If you accidently start a grease fire in your kitchen, here are some pointers to remember:
Remove the heat source.
Using a metal lid, cover the lit oil.
Sprinkle baking soda liberally on minor grease fires.
Use a dry chemical fire extinguisher with a Class B rating.
Call 911 and get out of there.
There are a few things to keep in mind when dealing with grease fires:
Water should not be used.
Transfer the flaming saucepan to a safe location.
Additional than baking soda, no other ingredients can be utilized.
2. Warmth
House fires and home fire injuries are caused by portable heaters, which are the second biggest cause of home fires and injuries. Many homes disregard the spatial requirements that these objects require, which is why they cause so many fires. Heaters come with explicit instructions on how close they can be put to other goods, furniture, or walls on the box or label.
These aren’t simply suggestions; they’ve been tested and are essential to assure your safety while using the product and to avoid any fires from occurring.
Leaving a heater near a pile of clothes or a naked wall might result in a steady build-up of heat, which can ignite the flammable object, furniture, or wall. If a wall catches fire, get out as quickly as possible. Do not put your life in jeopardy.
Because there are so many different models and types of space heaters, it’s critical to heed the safety instructions to keep you and your family safe from heater fires. Keep in mind that heaters that run on fuel (such as kerosene) are more likely to cause a house fire than those that run on electricity.
3. Fires caused by electricity
A substantial percentage of house fires are caused by faulty wiring or malfunctioning electrical outlets. According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International, electrical fires cause more than 51,000 dwelling fires and over 500 deaths each year (ESFI).
Have your home inspected before you buy it to avoid potential mishaps and faults that could lead to an electrical fire. Additionally, have your electrical system and lighting fixtures inspected on a regular basis to verify they are up to code and safe. Ensure that all fire alarms are changed every ten years, and that the batteries are replaced as soon as possible.
Check with your local fire department to see if they will inspect your alarms for free. Several fire stations take part in this type of activity, and they are delighted to keep you and your loved ones safe.
4. Tobacco use
Despite accounting for only 5% of all residential fires, smoking materials such as cigarettes, cigars, and pipes are the major cause of death. There are several causes for this. Smoking materials that have been lighted inside are small and easy to overlook. While many people find smoking to be a pleasant hobby, there is a risk of falling asleep while smoking, causing the ignited material to fall to the floor and catch fire, perhaps igniting carpet or other combustible materials.
If at all feasible, smoke outside, and never leave lit smoking materials unattended. If you have to smoke indoors, avoid relaxing or lounging on combustible furniture, as this increases your chances of falling asleep. If you’re smoking, stay vigilant and observant at all times.
The majority of fire deaths occur in the living room, den, family room, or bedroom. If you smoke, take sure to completely extinguish any lit butts rather than tossing them. The most common cause of smoking-related deaths is when the smoker falls asleep and does not wake up quickly enough.
5. Candles
Who doesn’t enjoy the smell of candles? We light candles to commemorate special occasions, see in the dark, and simply relax. However, we must remember that candles are an open flame in our home. Candles are responsible for 3% of all home fire deaths. Approximately one-third of all candle-lit house fires originate in the bedroom. Every day, twenty-one candle fires are reported, accounting for 6% of all home fire casualties.
Never leave a candle alone, and always extinguish it before leaving the room or going to bed. Instead of emergency candles, homeowners should investigate other options such as battery-operated flashlights, and remember to keep any combustible things at least 12 inches away from candles at all times.