Your fire damage restoration service knows house fires can have devastating effects that range from property damage and injury to death. In 2020, 490,500 residential home fires occurred throughout the United States, according to data from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA.) This statistic was among a total of 1,388,500 reported fires of all types. The economic impact of house fires is staggering; an appalling $12.1 billion in uninsured property losses and, even worse, 2,730 lives were tragically taken away by this calamity.
An additional 13,000 homeowners and family members suffered injuries as a result of these terrible events. It is thus important to understand why these events happen so that homeowners can prevent future occurrences. By learning common causes of house fires and taking appropriate safety precautions, we can limit future property loss and, more importantly, protect innocent lives from harm.
It Starts With Vigilance
Accidental fires are one of the most destructive forms of natural disaster, killing thousands of people and costing billions of dollars in damages each year. It’s important to understand that there is rarely just one cause leading to these tragic events, as fires often result from a combination of many different factors.
As we strive for safe workplaces and homes for all, it’s essential to remember that addressing fires requires knowledge about the complexity and diversity of their causes. Unintentional negligence can be a primary factor, but so can irresponsible behavior or defective products and technology. In some cases, accidental fires may even be caused by forces entirely out of our control, such as extreme weather conditions or lightning strikes.
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Candles Can Cause A Fire
As beautiful and welcoming as candles can be, you should never take their placement in the home lightly. While a simple reminder on the label of a candle suggests that they should never be left unattended, it’s challenging to follow this advice during busy holiday celebrations surrounded by family, friends, and other distractions.
According to statistics, the most dangerous days for candle fires are Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and Christmas Eve, when people often leave them unattended while celebrating with loved ones. It is important to remember to be diligent around open flames and remind guests of this as well. It may take away from the joy of celebrating but taking precautions with candles dramatically reduces the chance that a fire will break out.
Electrical Systems
Many homeowners are not aware of the potential danger that their electrical equipment can pose. Any electrical device has the potential to start a fire due to overheating, and you should always check lighting equipment regularly to make sure it is in proper working order and secure.
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Additionally, any shoddy electrical work done within the home, such as improperly connected circuits, loose wires, or lack of proper grounding, increases the likelihood of an accident occurring. Taking measures such as having regular equipment inspections or hiring an electrician for maintenance checks can go a long way toward creating a safe environment for everyone.
Appliances And Other Equipment
While modern devices such as computers and clothes dryers have made life more comfortable, but they are potential fire hazards when used improperly. For instance, leaving cooking vessels unattended on a stove can allow grease or other combustible materials to heat up too quickly and cause a fire.
Additionally, many devices like computers build up heat over time and can become a hazard if not given proper ventilation or insulation. Everyone should be aware of the risks associated with these kinds of devices and seek the advice of professionals if necessary. Taking preventative measures such as using fireproof kitchen tools, monitoring device temperature levels frequently, and testing smoke detectors regularly can reduce the risk of an avoidable home fire.
Smoking Materials
Smoking materials have become the leading cause of death in home fires, yet only instigates five percent of all home fires. Smokers tend to forget that they’re even smoking while in the comfort of their own homes, and this lack of attentive caution leads to dropped materials that can catch fire on carpets and other flammable items.
To make matters worse, smokers often turn to smoking as a way to destress or relax after a long day, hence the habit of falling asleep while still holding lit material, which then inevitably burns down to create a spark. It’s a great tragedy as many people lose their lives due to ignorance about the dangers of such careless habits.
Chemical Fires
Stoves, furnaces, candles, and other common fixtures cause not all home fires. It may surprise many to know that home fires start due to certain types of chemical reactions. For instance, if volatile vapors from gasoline or petroleum-based liquids reach a flash point temperature, it could start a fire. This can happen without any external sources of ignition, such as an open flame or spark. Similarly, chemical fires can start when fumes meet with an open flame source.
Spontaneous combustion is another cause of residential chemical fires where chemicals combine with oxygen in the air and cause enough heat to reach the flashpoint and ignite into flames. All sorts of residential chemical fires are dangerous since they occur unexpectedly and spread rapidly – making it essential to exercise caution when dealing with combustible materials at home.
A Cozy Fireplace
Fireplaces are an ideal way to keep warm and cozy during the winter months; however, if not covered properly, they can be a source of danger. Sparks or embers from an uncovered fireplace can jump out of the grate and land on nearby objects like curtains, clothing, and carpeting, which has the potential to start a devastating fire in your home.
Therefore, it’s essential to follow safety precautions when using a fireplace, such as using a fireplace screen that is large enough to cover the entirety of the opening, disposing of ashes carefully in a metal container, and keeping combustible materials away from the opening. Taking these extra steps will ensure everyone stays safe so you can get the most out of your winter nights with the warm glow of your fire.
Fire Damage Restoration Service
Strongwater Restoration, your fire damage restoration service, is an experienced team of specialists dedicated to offering superior commercial and residential restoration services in New York City, Westchester, Rockland, Putnam, Connecticut, and New Jersey.
Let us handle your restoration needs so that you can focus on what’s important. Whether you need insurance estimates, appraisals, mold remediation, reconstruction, or full-service restoration undertaken in a timely manner – our restoration professionals are available 24/7 to lend their expertise. With years of experience and teams of knowledgeable experts working together day and night – we guarantee to restore your business or home to its original condition before you know it.
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