October 6-12 is Fire Prevention Week. No one wants to think about a house fire. Although we don’t want to scare you with statistics, we will share a couple to make a point. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) says there are more than 350,000 home fires in the U.S. each year. Here are 5 Common Causes of Home Fires You Can Prevent.
Cooking Fires
Cooking fires are the most common cause of house fires. They are responsible for a whopping 48% of all residential fires. Grease is the main culprit, and in particular, unattended cooking.
Prevent:
Never leave your kitchen unattended when cooking with oil. This includes foods such as bacon that produce grease. Keep a fire extinguisher handy in your kitchen. There are several different grades and uses for fire extinguishers. Be sure you choose the correct fire extinguisher for grease and oil.
Heating Equipment
Heating Equipment is the second leading cause of house fires. Electric heaters may have faulty wiring. Space heaters can ignite combustibles left too close to the appliance. Always read and follow instructions on heating appliances.
Prevent:
Never leave your house with a space heater running. Keep all flammable materials like clothing, drapes, and bedding far from heaters.
Electrical Fires
Electrical fires begin with faulty wiring. These fires usually occur because of arcing that ignites building material within the walls. Building material includes plastics, insulation, wood, etc. Circuits overloaded with a current can cause wires to overheat.
Prevent:
Have your home’s wiring checked out by a professional electrician. This is especially true of older homes.
Smoking
Smoking is another house fire culprit. Smoldering cigarette butts dropped onto carpeting, furniture, or bedding can quickly ignite. House fires from cigarettes are often deadly, as they often occur after the resident has fallen asleep.
Prevent:
Smoke outside. If you must smoke while you’re indoors, stand over a sink and use an ashtray. Our best advice is to listen to your mom and just give it up already.
Candles
Candles have become an increasingly popular household, decorative must-have. They bring beautiful scents and warmth to any room. Unfortunately, candles are responsible for an average of 8,200 house fires a year.
Prevent:
Never leave candles unattended in a room. Don’t leave them too close to any material that may ignite. Consider the many battery-powered lighting options available today. Some even offer ambiance and “flicker” like the real thing.
Now that you know the 5 common causes of home fires and how to prevent them, share it with people you know. Fire Prevention Week is the perfect week to gather what’s needed to protect your loved ones, including smoke alarms and fire extinguishers. For more information on smoke alarms and fire extinguishers, read our article on Preparing Your Home for Fire Season.
As we said, none of us really like to think about the devastation of a house fire. However, knowing these simple tips for prevention can keep your family out of harm’s way, not only during Fire Prevention Week but for years to come.