Over 350,000 fires occur each year in homes in the United States. Every homeowner thinks it can never happen to them, making them even more vulnerable. Do you know what risks you’re taking that could lead to fire damage?
The first step of fire prevention is knowing what could put you at risk. Preventing fire damage in Dallas starts with preventing fires.
We’re here to discuss common causes of house fires so you know what you’re up against. Read on to learn more.
Electrical Malfunctions
When electricity flows through wires, it generates heat. If there is a problem with the wiring, it can cause the wires to overheat. Overheated cables can melt surrounding insulation or ignite nearby flammable materials like wood or fabric.
Electrical sparks can also occur when there is a faulty connection or damaged wire. Sparks can ignite flammable materials that are close to the source of the spark.
Another common cause of electrical fires is overloading circuits. Plugging too many devices into a single outlet or using extension cords beyond their capacity can overload the circuit.
Old electrical systems can also be a risk factor. Over time, wires can deteriorate, become damaged, or wear out. This increases the chances of malfunctions, electrical damage, and fires.
Cooking Accidents
Do you love to cook at home? It can be more dangerous than you think. After all, you’re playing with heat (and fire).
Cooking accidents may seem uncommon, but they’re the leading cause of house fires. No matter how good of a cook you are, you’re constantly putting yourself at risk when making a meal.
One common cause is leaving cooking unattended, such as forgetting about a pot on the stove or falling asleep while something is cooking. This can result in the food or oil overheating and catching fire. It can happen to anyone.
Using inappropriate cooking tools or materials can also lead to serious accidents. For instance, placing metal objects in the microwave or using flammable materials near the stove can create a fire hazard.
Another risk is grease buildup. If grease accumulates on the stove, oven, or exhaust hood, it can easily catch fire when exposed to heat or flames.
There are many ways that cooking can lead to a residential fire. When you’re cooking, you should always be alert. Even for meals that take a long time to cook, you should check in occasionally to ensure that everything is still okay.
Home Heating Systems
Many Texans have been using their home heating systems more over the past few years. Having a way to stay warm on chilly days is crucial, but your heater can actually become a fire risk if you’re not careful.
One common cause of fires is a malfunctioning heater. This can occur due to electrical issues, worn-out components, or improper installation. When the heating system malfunctions, it can generate sparks, overheat, or ignite nearby flammable materials like your carpets or furniture.
Another potential cause is the improper use of space heaters. Placing them too close to flammable objects like curtains, furniture, or bedding can lead to fires. Using faulty electrical cords for space heaters can also create a house fire risk.
Poor maintenance of heating systems can also cause fires. Dust, debris, or blocked ventilation can cause the system to overheat and catch fire.
Ensure that you keep your heaters well-maintained and read all of the instructions for your space heater before you turn it on.
Smoking
Do you smoke? This habit isn’t only unhealthy for your body. It can also result in accidental fires (as well as minor smoke damage, even if an actual fire never happens).
The fire risk exists whether you smoke indoors or outside, depending on how careful you are.
If a smoker falls asleep or gets distracted while smoking, they may accidentally drop a lit cigarette onto furniture, bedding, or other surfaces (such as the floor). A cigarette can ignite these things and start a fire. If the smoker is sleeping, they may not notice fast enough to put the fire out.
Another risk is improper disposal of cigarettes or cigars. If a smoker tosses a still-burning cigarette butt into a trash can full of flammable things like paper or tissues, it can lead to a fire. The smoldering cigarette can set the contents of the trash can aflame, spreading the fire to the surrounding area.
Again, if the smoker doesn’t notice immediately, this can lead to a complete house fire.
If you smoke, always put your cigarettes out before throwing them away. Never smoke if you’re feeling too tired. It’s not worth the risk.
Open Flames
Do you ever have open flames at home? Ensure you’re being safe with them, or you may end up with a serious house fire.
Did you know that candles cause about 2% of home fires? Yes, that’s a small percentage, but it’s still significant if you light candles at home. Candles may make your home nice and cozy, but an open flame (even a small one) is a genuine fire risk.
When a candle is burning without supervision, it can tip over, come into contact with flammable objects (like curtains), or even get knocked over by people or pets. The flame from the candle can spread and start a fire in the home.
The same is true if you cook over an open flame or use a fireplace. Yes, these things are safe enough for the average user, but there is always a risk.
If you have children or pets, avoid having open flames within reach. Never fall asleep with an open flame going if you’re the only adult in the house. You even need to put out candles before bedtime.
Poor Storage of Flammable Materials
How many products do you have at home that state somewhere on the packaging: “Flammable. Keep away from flames” or something of that nature? These warnings are legitimate. While it’s not common, seemingly innocuous products can cause house fires.
Flammable products include substances such as gasoline, propane, aerosol cans, paint thinner, and cleaning solvents (among other things). When these items aren’t stored correctly, they can become a fire hazard.
For example, if flammable liquids are too close to a heat source, such as a furnace or water heater, the heat can cause the fluids to ignite and start a fire. It may be uncommon, but it’s not worth the risk.
Another risk is storing flammable materials in cluttered areas. If these items are near each other, there is a higher chance that one accidental spark or ignition source could set multiple items alight, leading to a more severe and rapid (not to mention dangerous) fire.
You also need to be careful to avoid storing things where children can access them. A child may not set a fire on purpose, but they could do it by accident if they don’t know better.
Proper storage of flammable chemicals is your responsibility. Be careful. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when it comes to product storage, even if the instructions seem to be over-cautious.
Natural Disasters
Texas is not safe from natural disasters, and in some cases, those natural disasters can lead to fires and fire damage. This is the one thing on this list that is outside of your control for the most part, but it is something that homeowners should be aware of.
During thunderstorms, hurricanes, and floods, water damage can impact electrical systems, leading to malfunctions or short circuits. Water can also mix with electrical components, increasing the risk of electrical fires.
Lightning from storms can also cause house fires. Lightning striking is uncommon but not impossible. About 1 in 200 homes is struck by lightning every year!
There isn’t much you can do about natural disasters, but if one is approaching, do your best to protect yourself and your home from fire damage.
Are You at Risk of Fire Damage in Dallas?
Most people think a residential fire will never happen to them, but you never know. It’s better to be aware of the risks so you can do your part to prevent house fires. It’s always better to be safe rather than sorry.
But what happens if you experience a house fire anyway? You’ll need to hire experts in fire damage restoration.
We know how to handle fire damage in Dallas and are here to help you. Contact us so we can get to work on your home as soon as possible.
