Did you know this about Fires?

10/11/2024 (Permalink)

Home fires can begin out of the blue, however taking preventative measures can incredibly lower the danger of a fire in your home. Although some home fires are very self-evident, it's essential to know about them and be proactive in preventing them. Here are some of the top home fire starters with tips on the best way to prevent them: 

Cooking

Cooking is the main cause of home fires. Unattended cooking, and grease build-up, are the most frequent reasons for fires in the kitchen. Continuously supervise the range or stove when cooking and keep the kitchen surfaces free from grease to prevent fires.

Candles

Fires caused from candles are more frequent during holidays, such as Christmas and Halloween. Always keep candles far from draperies, embellishments and other combustibles, and ensure candle holders are steady. Utilizing battery-operated candles rather than real candles is a much safer option.

Children Playing with Fire

Some children play with fire just wondering, not understanding that it can be extremely dangerous. Keep lighters, matches and other flammables out of youngsters' sight and reach. Likewise, avoid as much as possible from using lighters and matches in front of them, as many children mimic what they see the adults do.

Heating Equipment

Amid the colder months, heating equipment, for example electric radiators or fireplaces, are major fire hazards in the home. Place radiators at a safe distance from combustible materials and always supervise them when they are operating. Check your smokestacks for creosote build-up on a regular basis and never utilize combustible fluids to begin a fire in the fireplace.

Electrical Causes

Obsolete wiring and breaker boxes, as well as old appliances, present a fire risk. Additionally, connecting excessively numerous machines to an extension cord can cause the cord or appliance to overheat and a fire to start. Watch for worn cords with exposed wires.

Smoking

Fires brought about by lit cigarettes can begin when a person nods off with a cigarette in hand or when the embers from a butt fall on ignitable materials. Smoke outside to avoid these dangers. On the off chance that you smoke inside, abstain from doing as such when tired, and use deep and large ashtrays.

Flammable Liquids

Liquids that can catch fire include gasoline, paints, cleaning agents, thinners, and much more. Keep these chemicals in approved compartments and far from electrical and heat sources. Store them outside, in a well-ventilated area. Always read the labels for temperature ranges. 

Christmas Trees

Amid the Christmas season, many home fires can begin because of the careless utilization of Christmas tree adornments. Electrical failures and candles are the fundamental offenders of Christmas tree fires. Use only lights that have the mark of an independent testing laboratory. Furthermore, replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. NEVER decorate your tree with lit candles. Water the tree on a daily basis to prevent the tree from drying out.