Every homeowner’s worst nightmare is the possibility of losing their beloved home to fire damage. As a tenant, you need to be wary of these ten potential hazards and be vigilant with each:
10 Seemingly Innocent Causes of Fire Damage
1. Heat Sources
Should keep portable heaters safely away from any combustible materials. Furniture, bedding, and curtains should never be closer than a few feet from the heater.
Fuel-based heaters also require adequate ventilation to eliminate exposure to the silent killer – carbon monoxide. It’s a good idea to install a carbon monoxide detector and ensure it’s working correctly with an excellent long-life battery.
Have your furnace checked regularly to ensure proper operation and venting. It will provide you’re maximizing heating efficiency and possibly saving utility costs as well. If you use a fireplace, have your chimney professionally checked annually and cleaned as necessary.
2. Cooking
Fires are must initiated by leaving cooking equipment unattended. Hot oil that splatters onto stove surfaces can ignite a fire that could spread very quickly.
However Combustible items such as kitchen towels or oven mitts getting too close to burners can also start fires that are out of control in seconds.
Always keep a close watch when you’re cooking – as distractions can result in tragedy.
3. Electrical Precautions
Electrical problems cause many fires – following some simple guidelines:
Never use frayed appliance cords or extension cords. When using a thread, be sure the appliances are plugin.
Don’t overload outlets. This practice can result in overheating and sparking, which presents a fire hazard.
If you have a home project that includes electrical work call for the services of a professional electrician. You will have to be safe quality.
4. Wiring Limitations
Besides simple electrical issues, many homes may have outdated or inadequate wiring for today’s appliances and other electrical demands.
If your home has limited outlets that require you to overload wall sockets, it’s time to call in an electrician.
Other indications that your wiring needs attention are:
- Fuses or circuit breakers blow or trip frequently
- The use of appliances requires unplugging others
- Lights dim when devices are on.
5. Smoking
Bedrooms are high-risk areas for smoking, with the abundance of combustible materials and the likelihood that smokers could fall asleep in the presence of burning cigarettes or other products.
Those who smoke in the home should never leave burning materials placed where they could be knocked over or fall on flammable materials such as furniture or carpets.
6. Unattended Children
Children are naturally curious about fire and burning items and will always work on fireworks, lighters, and matches. However, Some are unfortunately prone to mischief and burning small things, which can tragically get out of hand and start severe fires.
Always keep items such as matches and candle igniters out of the reach of children, and keep your eyes open for indications that children have been playing with games or other incendiary materials.
7. Candles
Candles beautify homes, enhance room ambiance, and provide pleasant scents throughout the house. But Sadly, they are a significant culprit of fires when left or placed irresponsibly.
Always place candles in sturdy, non-combustible holders. Never leave them unattended or in places where children or pets could reach them or knock them over. And always remember to extinguish all candles when you leave the room or go to bed.
8. Combustible Liquids
Cleaning supplies, paints, adhesives, and other combustible fluids have to be market as fire hazards. All these liquids should be stored to kept away from high temperatures, such as a furnace or water heater.
Vapors from unsealed liquids can accumulate on floor surfaces and can be starting by appliances fueled by combustion or containing pilot lights. Therefore Always keep such materials closed tightly and away from heat-generating appliances – including portable heaters.
Keep gasoline, kerosene, and other highly flammable materials outdoors in cool places, stored in proper, enclosed containers.
9. Holiday Decorations
Christmas, Hanukkah, and other holidays are a great time to decorate your home, but did you know these decorations can be a significant fire hazard? To avoid this, be sure that any natural trees are hydrated to keep them from becoming dry and dangerously flammable Causes of Fire Damage. Also, check all lights to ensure no cords are damaged or frayed.
Be sure trees and other decorations are kept safely away from heat sources, including portable heaters, furnace ducts, and candles.
10. Grills and Smokers
Barbequing is a favorite way to enjoy outdoor cooking and great food. Sadly, many fires each year are started by careless use of both charcoal and gas grills.
Check gas grills regularly for leaks by spraying fittings with soapy water, then watching for any bubbles when the gas is turned on. If any occur, turn the gas off immediately to address any loose or damaged fittings or pipes.
Never operate a barbeque close to deck railing materials, under tree limbs, or indoors – even in the garage.
What to Do When Disaster Strikes
If your home has experienced fire damage,Causes of Fire Damage restoration companies such as Restoration 1 of Tulsa can help get your home and life back to normal. Our IICRC-licensed professionals can evaluate the damage and have a team of experienced technicians deployed to restore your home quickly and effectively.
Contact Restoration 1 of Tulsa whenever your home needs recovery services from fire damage or mold remediation.
