House Fires: Common Causes and How to Prevent Them
House fires can cause an overwhelming amount of damage and wipe out your entire property in mere moments.
While the causes of fires in homes are well known, it doesn’t mean that they do not happen unexpectedly. Fire is an incredibly unpredictable force and can escalate extremely fast, making what seemed like an everyday and safe activity immediately dangerous and life-threatening. Fire-related accidents can happen quickly and can be devastating. Because of the dangerous nature of fire, certain activities within the home should be done carefully and responsibly.
Continue reading to learn more about common causes of house fires and what you can do to prevent them.
5 Common Causes of House Fires and How to Avoid Them
Cooking Equipment — According to statistics gathered by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) from 2015-2019, a staggering 49% of home fires were caused by cooking equipment. It is also the number one cause of injuries related to fires within the home and the second leading cause of death. Most kitchen fires are caused by ignited cooking grease. When cooking oil becomes too hot, more than 375° Fahrenheit, it will begin to smoke and burst into flames. When you start to see wisps of smoke, you only have mere moments to react. Here are some tips:
- Remove the pan from the heat source.
- Cover the flaming oil with a metal lid.
- Generously sprinkle smaller grease fires with baking soda or spray with a Class B dry chemical fire extinguisher.
- Never use water to extinguish the fire.
Portable Heating Units — Portable heaters are the second-leading cause of injuries and fires within the home. It is essential to use space heaters responsibly. These heaters have specific spatial requirements, safety guidelines, and special instructions that must always be closely followed to help avoid fires in your home.
Electrical Fires — Another large portion of household fires is caused by faulty wiring and malfunctioning electrical outlets, accounting for over 51,000 fires and more than 500 deaths. To help prevent electrical fires, make sure to have your property inspected before your purchase and schedule occasional inspections throughout the years to ensure your system and fixtures are up to code and are still safe to use.
Indoor Smoking — Smoking materials such as cigarettes, pipes, and cigars are easy to forget because they are relatively small. But they are the top causes of deaths in property fires. Many people use smoking to relax and fail to dispose of their cigarettes properly, potentially igniting a fire. Always smoke outside whenever possible, and never leave lit materials smoking unattended.
Candles — It’s ironic that candles are used to celebrate birthdays or set a relaxing mood within the home when they account for 3% of home fire deaths. Nearly one-third of house fires are caused by candles lit in a bedroom, and they cause 6% of home fire injuries. It is crucial to remember that candles are an open flame in your house and must be used carefully and responsibly. Always extinguish your candles before leaving the room or going to sleep. Or, homeowners can opt for a much safer option, such as battery-powered candles with automatic shut-off timers built-in.
Contact Hudson Douglas Public Adjuster to Help With House Fires
House fires are a scary, stressful, and dangerous experience. The experts at Hudson Douglas Public Adjusters are here to help you quickly resolve your insurance claim to resume life as soon as possible. We represent you, not your insurance, and are ready to serve you if you live in Nevada, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, or Utah. Contact us today to receive a free claim review.
