Potential Home Fire Hazards To Be Aware Of

The potential causes for house fires may be the last thing on your mind. Paying close attention to fire hazards and taking the right precautions, however, are key safety measures every household member should take. Everyday items, which are often overlooked, can lead to fires and property damage, so it’s best to know what to look out for, why certain products can start a fire and how to avoid an emergency situation. Here are the four common types of items that start home fires and how to prevent a fire from breaking out.

1.     Candles

Candles are one of the most common items that start home fires. They’re often left unattended, placed to burn too close to flammable items or played with by kids. You can prevent candle-related house fires by keeping lit candles away from objects that catch fire easily, being in the room while they’re burning, ensuring they won’t tip over and blowing them out when you leave the room.

2.     Electrical connections and wiring

Electrical connections and wiring are a second group of common items that start home fires. They’re often related to instances of equipment malfunctions and incidents of overheating in and around the home. You can prevent electricity- and wiring-related house fires by putting little strain on outlets and electrical cords, employing the correct type of cord for the job, supervising lights and Christmas trees, and checking your home’s wiring system for required updates.

3.     Household appliances

Household appliances are a third band of items that start home fires. They’re often left unattended, exposed to flammable items and susceptible to performance issues regardless of their power sources. You can prevent appliance-related house fires by supervising food on the stove, cleaning the lint and dust out of your dryer, watching for leaks, cleaning vents, and updating aged wires and cables.

4.     Cigarettes and cigars

Cigarettes and cigars are a fourth and final set of items that start home fires. They’re often discarded incorrectly and exposed to flammable household items. You can prevent smoking-related house fires by smoking outside, utilizing wide, sturdy ashtrays, and searching for lit butts that may have fallen.

Pay attention to the common items that start home fires to prevent outbreaks and maintain your household’s security. If you have one or more of these products or issues in your home, do your best to understand why each one is known to start a house fire and know the many ways you can prevent an incident. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us for more information regarding fire safety and other ways to keep your house and family safe, as we’re always happy to lend a hand.