Common causes of a house fire

7/15/2019 (Permalink)

Homeowners in our Green Bay community can do many things to prevent a house fire. In fact, most house fires can be prevented. When a fire occurs, it can damage and destroy many personal items as well as costing homeowners thousands in structural cleaning, deodorizing, and repairs. So, what are the most common cause of house fires and how can we prevent them?

Common causes of a house fire

Cooking

Most kitchens can become a potential fire hazard if left unsupervised. According to the National Fire Protection Association, unattended cooking was the leading cause of cooking fires and casualties. It’s a smart idea to always stay in the kitchen when frying, broiling, or grilling. Make sure loose clothing and towels are secured prior to cooking.

Smoking

Careless smoking is a real danger inside a home. You should not smoke if you are drowsy or taking a medication that affects your judgment. Make sure your cigarette is completely put off before throwing it away. A still lit cigarettes can easily start a fire. If you must smoke indoors, make sure your ashtray is deep and away from items that are flammable.

Candles  

While candles are fun and smell nice, they are an open flame. You should always be in the same room if you have a candle burning. Never leave a candle burning when you are not home. Always keep candles away from children and pets. You may want to consider switching to candles powered by LED lights.

 Did you know? The top three days for home candle fires are New Year’s Day, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve.

Heating equipment

Ideally, you should have your furnace (and chimney if you have one) equipment inspected yearly by a qualified technician. Out of all the heating equipment, space heaters are the leading heating equipment that cause fires. Keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from items such as curtains, bedding, or paper products. Ensure your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are properly working by pushing the ‘test’ button on the alarm. Having a smoke alarm that is working can alert you and increase your chances of surviving a fire.

Here to help

A fire can be an emotional time for any homeowner, but we are here to help you through the process. We have the experience, knowledge, equipment and processes needed to effectively recover from a fire and it’s soot, smoke odor, and damage.  SERVPRO of West Brown County ensures that you will be taken care in a time of need should a fire start in your home. You can call at any time (920) 434-8224.