The National Fire Protection Association reports that from 2011 to 2015 there were 358,500 house fires in the United States. The leading causes of home fires are cooking appliances, smoking, heating equipment, electrical equipment, and clothes dryers. Naturally, accidents happen but all of the five house fire causes are avoidable if proper precautions are in place.
- Cooking is a leading cause of house fires. We are all familiar with the catchphrase “stand by your pan” but may not always put it into practice. Cooking requires your constant supervision. Do not leave any cooking equipment unattended while in use.
- Smoking in your house presents a real possibility of starting a house fire. If you fall asleep while smoking, whether that is in your bed or on the couch, it could kill you and everyone in your home.
- Heating devices are also a leading cause of many house fires. Keeping heating equipment near flammable items or failing to clean chimneys can cause a fire.
- Space heaters account for a third of winter fires. Heating equipment fires peak during the winter months, so it is essential to be vigilant.
- Electrical equipment like home appliances can easily cause a fire if the power cord is frayed or damaged. It is imperative to be aware of the condition of your appliances and discard those that are older and faulty so that they do not start a house fire.
- Clothes dryers are another cause of house fires. Always clean your lint trap between dryer cycles. If your clothes dryer is getting hot, but the clothes are not drying, it is a sign that there is lint stuck inside the vent and your dryer is in need of cleaning.
Any type of fire can be devastating. Even if a house fire is not a life-ending event, it can cause major damage that will require smoke damage repair. Call AllPhase Restoration for any smoke damage repair or house fire in Columbus, OH. We are located in Columbus, Ohio, and have repair teams available around the clock.