Leading Causes of Home Fires and Their Prevention
February 8, 2024
Home isn’t just the building that we live in. It’s a special place that provides shelter and warmth, keeps us safe, and protects the people and items that we treasure; you want to protect it and those who share it with you. Preventing home fires is at the top of the list. Awareness of the most common causes of home fires enables you to prevent them.
1. Cooking fires are often caused by greases that become overheated. Never leave the kitchen unattended when cooking. Toasters and electric griddles can also be a source of fires. Toasters should be cleaned regularly. Crumbs might ignite if they are allowed to build up inside the appliance.
2. Heating appliances, especially those that require petroleum fuels, are especially dangerous. Electrical heaters can cause fires if the electrical wiring is faulty or if draperies or other fabrics overheat when they come in contact with the coils.
3. Electrical problems account for about 10 percent of all residential fires. It’s a good idea to have your wiring checked out by a professional electrician, especially if you live in an older home. Only perform your own electrical repairs or improvements if you have experience doing such work.
4. Cigarettes and other smoking materials account for about 5 percent of home fires, often ignited when a resident falls asleep.
5. Candles have caused an estimated average of just over 7,600 fires. Matches and lighters used to light candles are equally dangerous if left in a place where children can reach them.
6. Residential chemical fires occur when oily rags spontaneously heat up. Never store oil-soaked or chemical-soaked rags after they are used.
7. Real evergreen trees dry out over time, and by the end of the holiday season, they can pose a very serious danger of flash fire. Artificial trees are safer in this regard, but an electrical fire from a bad wire in the light bulb string or an overloaded outlet is still a risk. Never leave Christmas tree lights plugged in when you are not at home or sleeping.
Stay alert, stay safe.