Most Common Causes of Fires

10/21/2021 (Permalink)

How To Prevent Home Fires

A fire can be devastating to everyone involved, check out the most common causes that you can help prevent in your home:

• Smoking indoors: many people smoke in their homes, which is dangerous and can be damaging to the home's structure. A fire can be started from falling ash from a lit cigarette in an instant.
• Unmaintained dryer vents: lint can accumulate very quickly, and one small spark can start a fire. Cleaning dryer vents either before or after every load is a quick and easy way to prevent a fire in your home. A thorough cleaning of full vent system should be completed yearly to maintain a proper working dryer and to prevent fire. 
• Faulty electrical equipment: if you see a wire on any electrical equipment that appears frayed or damaged in any way, make sure you replace it immediately. Exposed wires are extremely dangerous, so don’t waste time fixing any damaged wires.
• Overloaded outlets: plugging too many things into one outlet, extension cord, or power strip can be hazardous. Be sure to never plug multiple extension cords or power strips onto one another. 
• Candles: candles should always be used under supervision and should be put out when you leave the home. Always make sure they are on a level surface and not near any flammable surfaces. Check out our post on candle alternatives to make your home safer. 
• Space heaters: space heaters have the potential to be very dangerous. The units can become very hot and cause items nearby to catch fire. Make sure you are following the proper instructions on your unit and keep flammable items far away. 
• Cooking: keeping a fire extinguisher in your kitchen is very important. Many things can go wrong, especially with open flame gas cooktops, so having the proper fire safety equipment is essential to reducing damage. 

A fire in your home could be devastating, so preparing yourself, your family, and your pets can be the difference between life and death. To learn more about fire safety read our other blogs, and be sure to always follow the advice of the Charlotte Fire Department and the Pineville Fire Department. 

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