Top 3 Causes for House Fires

11/1/2018 (Permalink)

There isn't a single person who wants to experience a house fire. Their home ends up getting damaged or destroyed, along with most of their belongings. Yet, even though no one wants to experience a home fire, The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) notes more than 360,000 homes fires a year.

A majority of fires are preventable. Are you taking the proper steps to prevent a fire in your home? Note the 3 common causes of home fires:

3) Electrical Equipment & Lighting
Wires, Extension Cords, & Heaters are in almost every home. Malfunctions can cause this equipment to go up in flames. One of the most common is decorative Christmas lights. When left on or unattended for a long period of time, these lights can overheat and cause serious damage.

Keep in Mind...
Unplug electrical equipment that's not in use.
Check any decorative lights periodically to avoiding overheating.

2) Dryers
Dryers are commonly known for starting fires, yet many don't take the time to properly maintain their dryer.

Keep in Mind...
Clean out the lint tray after every use.
Never run your dryer without the lint tray in place.

1) Cooking
According to the NFPA, 46% of home fires start in the kitchen with cooking. Cooking can easily be distracting, especially when making large meals.

Keep in Mind...
Never leave your stove top unattended.
Keep children away from hot areas in the kitchen.

This information will help you to minimize your risks of a home fire like never before. Aside from this information, Smoke Alarms need to be replaced and tested to help keep your household aware of any potential fire danger. Review and share this information to keep you and your loved ones safe from a home fire.