Top Residential Fire Risks You Need to Know | SERVPRO® of The Lower Shore

12/9/2019 (Permalink)

While we are all familiar with the possibility of a house fire, many are shocked to find out just how common they are: It is estimated that firefighters respond to a fire every 24 seconds in the United States.

Though it is not a pleasant thought, understanding the ins and outs of house fires is a necessary precaution to make safer decisions at home and at work. By knowing the most common fire causes, individuals can be sure to implement proper safety measures where it matters most and reduce the risk that they will experience a house fire themselves.

While there are many things that can lead to a house fire, we have made a list of the top four so you can stay safe.

The Top 4 Causes of House Fires

1. Cooking
   Cooking is the No. 1 cause of home fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Because using the stove or oven is something many people do every day, the conditions are ripe for a fire to occur at any moment. It is important to always exercise safety in the kitchen and never leave the stove or oven unattended while cooking.
2. Electrical Malfunctions
   Though electricity is generally harmless, unsafe electrical practices lead to 24,000 fires each year. Overloaded outlets, frayed cables and outdated appliances are all common causes of electrical fires and something individuals should watch out for.
3. Heating
   Errors in heating are a leading cause of home fires, especially during the winter months. Though space heaters are useful for keeping your central heating bill reasonable, it is important to select models with safety features to prevent a fire from starting. Automatic shut-offs are the most important thing, so the unit will switch off if it tips over or begins to get too hot.
4. Candles
   Because candles are quite common in most homes, it is easy to forget just how dangerous they can be. The open flame of a candle can quickly spread if placed too close to surrounding flammable objects or if allowed to burn too long. Never leave lit candles unsupervised and never put them on a surface that could tip over or disrupt the candle in any way.

If your home has suffered from a house fire, we are here ²⁴⁄₇ to take your call and start the fire restoration process. 410-749-2221