How to Prevent House Fires

8/7/2019 (Permalink)

Understanding the dangers and prevention methods for house fires is essential for avoiding the costly damage they can cause.

Naturally, the best method to stay safe against house fires is through keeping smoke alarms operational, but there are many other ways homeowners can avoid a fire starting around the house.

The Frequency of House Fires

Many people do not fully grasp the risk house fires can pose and how often they occur. The National Fire Protection Association reports that every 24 seconds, a house fire occurs, meaning there are a shocking number of fires each day.

Cooking is the leading cause of house fires, but there are many other causes that can spark a flame.

Steps to Prevent House Fires

Because fire is so powerful, one simple mistake can lead to a full-on house fire if one is not careful. The best thing to do is to learn about house fire prevention steps to keep flames at bay:

Test smoke alarms. Though the hope is that one will never have to use a smoke alarm, it is important that they are working in case the need arises. Perform monthly battery checks and replace them every 10 years.

Prevent dryer lint buildup. Dryer trays can hold an excessive amount of lint, which provides the perfect combustible material if allowed to collect. After each load, clean out the tray to avoid combustion from the dryer’s heat.

Keep an eye on flames. Because most of us use flames every day for candles, cooking and more, it can be easy to forget the risk they can cause. It is best to not leave flames unattended.

Keep cables in good condition. Electrical cables and household wires should be inspected frequently and replaced if fraying is found.

Protect household supplies. Because many household supplies contain flammable materials and come in aerosol cans, it is best to keep these products away from heat sources or direct sunlight.

If your home has suffered damage from a house fire, give us a call. We are certified in fire and soot remediation, and here to help ²⁴⁄₇.