5 Common Causes of House Fires

2/9/2023 (Permalink)

There is a long list of causes when it comes to home fires. They're beginning to become fairly common. When you're a victim of a house fire you lose everything; all the memories you've made, burnt to a crisp. So, it’s important to be aware of the common causes of house fires so you can pay more attention and be prepared.

Cooking
Cooking is actually the leading cause of home fires in the U.S. Obviously you can’t stop cooking, but there are some tips you can follow given from the National Fire Protection Association to prevent fires from developing:

• Be alert. If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol, don’t use the oven or stove.
• Stay in the kitchen while you’re frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you need to leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the oven or stove.
• If you are simmering, baking, roasting, or boiling food, check it regularly. Remain in the home while food is cooking and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
• Keep your stovetop clear of anything that can catch fire, including oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels, or curtains.

Heaters
Heating equipment is another common cause of house fires. If you’re using old space heaters, consider replacing them with new ones that automatically turn off when overheated, tipped, or have a timer. Remember to keep them at least 3-4 feet away from anything flammable. When it comes to furnaces and chimneys, it’s important to remember to get them professionally inspected, cleaned, and maintained every year. This will prevent debris, build-up, and issues from developing that could cause fires.

Electrical Systems
If you’re just moving into an older home, it’s smart to get a professional electrician out to review all of the wiring to ensure it is all working properly and safely. Be sure to keep an eye out for any discoloration around outlets, as this is a sign of faulty wiring, which can cause a fire. If you notice a burning smell or see lights flickering more than usual, just call a professional to come take a look at everything. It’s better to be safe than in a fire.

Candles
Did you know every year candle fires account for hundreds of thousands of dollars in property damage and hundreds of unnecessary injuries and deaths? With that said, please remember to only burn candles when you’re home and awake, keep them away from anything flammable, don’t let it burn all the way down to the bottom of the glass, and keep them out of reach from children or pets.

Smoking
Smoking is yet another common cause of house fires. If you continue to smoke, we have some tips that we got from the U.S. Fire Administration for you to follow:

• Smoke outside
• Put cigarettes all the way out
• Never smoke around medical oxygen
• Never smoke in bed
• Put your cigarettes out in an ashtray or a bucket with sand, never throw them on the ground.

SERVPRO Fire Damage Repair and Restoration
After the fire trucks are gone, your Hoboken home and belongings likely suffer from not only fire and smoke damage, but also extensive water damage from firefighting efforts. SERVPRO of Hoboken / Union City has the specialized fire and water damage cleanup and restoration training and experience to quickly restore your home to pre-fire condition. We also have specific training and equipment for odor removal and deep cleaning of upholstery and carpet.

Fire damage can be devastating for you and your family. Feelings of confusion and stress are common, and you need a caring expert to guide you through this crisis. We always treat your family with the greatest empathy and respect, and we’ll treat your property with great care.

About SERVPRO Team Harvey
SERVPRO of Lower Manhattan is proudly owned by Lance and Jennifer Harvey - a husband and wife duo that owns three other SERVPRO locations, including SERVPRO of Lower Manhattan, SERVPRO of West Somerset County, and SERVPRO of Hoboken/Union City.

We understand the stress and worry that comes with a fire or water damage and the disruption it causes your home or business. Our goal is to help minimize the interruption to your life and quickly make it “like it never even happened.”