A house fire can be devastating and if they occur at the wrong time, fatal. There are several main causes of house fires and there are many steps that can be taken to reduce the chances of your home catching ablaze.
Cooking Up Trouble
Cooking is the top cause of house fires in the United States, starting almost half of all infernos. It’s important to never abandon the stove or oven when cooking – always keep a visual on what you’re making. If you must leave the kitchen: turn off the stove and oven, even if it’s only for a moment.
Maintain awareness of the food at all times by checking on it regularly and setting timers to ensure you don’t forget. Before cooking make sure the oven and stove is clear of any debris like old food, utensils, packaging, and more.
If a kitchen house fire does occur, be prepared with what to do. For grease fires, smother the flames with a pan lid and turn off the stove. For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed until the flames die down. If a kitchen fire becomes out of control, get out as soon as possible, shutting the door behind you to contain the flames. Call 911 immediately.
Home Heating Disasters
Home heating systems are the second leading cause of house fires. To ensure they do not set your home up in flames, use proper operating precautions at all times. Conduct maintenance and repairs routinely to ensure everything is running properly.
Replace water heaters with ones that have automatic shutoff features. Have furnaces inspected regularly, and clean your fireplace and chimneys professionally every year. Never store anything within 3 feet of any home heating appliance to ensure things do not ignite by proximity.
Electrical Trouble
Electrical malfunctions are the third most common cause of house fires. Have your home’s wiring inspected by a professional electrician – especially if you live in an older home. Signs of faulty wiring include blown fuses, visually damaged wires, outlet discoloration, flickering lights, and burning odors with no obvious source.
If you suspect your home is having electrical problems, call a qualified electrician immediately. To prevent house fires from power surges and electrical issues, use a surge protector strip at each outlet. This will protect your home and your electronic devices that are plugged in.
Fire Prevention is Best
Knowing what to do in the event of a fire is key. It’s equally important to take proper precautions to avoid house fires in the first place. Fires can be sparked by many different factors. When in doubt unplug, schedule an inspection, and be on high alert. If you become the victim of a house fire, give the fire restoration team at S&S Restoration a call. We can get your home back up and running in no time. We also take the stress off your back by working directly with your insurance provider to get restoration covered.
About S&S Restoration
S&S Restoration is a Temecula, California restoration company that specializes in both residential and commercial buildings affected by fire, flooding, mold, and storms. We proudly serve the Inland Empire, San Diego, High Desert, and San Bernardino County areas. Give us a call at (800) 608-8447 or visit our website at ssrestorationinc.com, we’re available 24/7 for emergency response to guarantee the best outcomes.