Fires Can Be Prevented

4/3/2023 (Permalink)

Know the risks and avoid fire damage.

Home fires are the most common calls that fire stations get - and more often than not, they were due to carelessness on the owner's part. Here are the most common causes of house fires and how you can prevent them.

Cooking Fires
Home cooking fires account for approximately $1 billion in property damage, 550 deaths and 4,820 injuries every year. Never leave a stove unattended and always have a fire extinguisher in the kitchen. 

Electrical Fires
Electrical fires, often caused by malfunctioning appliances, account for 13% of all residential fires, and18% of all civilian fire deaths. These fires are most likely to occur in colder months as people use their heaters more. Never leave a space heater unattended or go to sleep while it is on. Get appliances properly checked in the fall so you head into colder months with confidence.

Candle Fires
Candles may generate a small flame, but they can also cause big damage. Most candle fires occur when other household items, such as furniture and curtains, are kept too close to the flame. It only takes a few seconds for them to catch fire and consume the house.

Careless Children
Children playing with fire are responsible for $172 million in property damages every year. Proper fire safety education is vital when it comes to preventing these accidents.

Smoking
Smoking is one of the leading causes of home fire deaths. Never smoke cigarettes near combustible materials or smoke in bed. Always dispose of the cigarette in sand or water to prevent it catching fire in the trashcan or yard.

Should you experience a fire in your home or office, SERVPRO of North Garland is here to help.