Top Causes of Household Fires & Recommended Prevention Methods | SERVPRO® of Flagstaff/East Sedona

2/3/2020 (Permalink)

Practicing prevention is the best way to reduce the chance of a fire, however if you do experience a loss contact SERVPRO of Flagstaff/East Sedona.

Household fires are a scary thing for homeowners to face regardless of their cause and can create excessive stress and trauma for those who have experienced them. 

That is why it is so important for individuals to educate themselves both on some of the common causes of household fires and the best ways to prevent them, in order to protect their homes and prevent fires from starting when possible.

Common House Fire Causes

Though house fires can be caused by a number of issues, annual reports point to the same common causes again and again. While cooking-related incidents are consistently the top cause of household fires, individuals should note that electrical malfunctions, grill misuse and a lack of dryer maintenance are all common issues that can cause a fire in an instant. 

Fortunately, many household fires are totally preventable if you are aware of the proper safety precautions.

Prevention Methods for the Common Types of House Fires

1. Cooking Fire Prevention. Because unattended cooking is the leading cause of cooking fires, the best way to prevent cooking fires is to simply ensure that cooking materials are never left unattended. Always stay in the room when using the stove, oven or other heating elements, and ensure all devices are turned off before you leave the room.

2. Electrical Fire Prevention. Though we use electricity every day, it is important to always remember safety any time you flip a switch or plug a device in. Avoid overloading power strips and plugging multiple heat-producing items into one outlet, and always make sure any home you build or purchase is inspected by a qualified electrician.

3. Grill Fire Prevention. Not surprisingly, grill fires peak in the summer months, so it is important to be safe when barbecuing. Regular grill cleanings and propane connection checks are good safety practices, and it is always recommended to grill away from the home and deck just in case.

4. Laundry Fire Prevention. Laundry room fires are extremely common and are most often caused by a build-up of dryer lint that is then heated to ignition. While many new models contain alerts for this, it is best to get into the habit of cleaning the lint tray out with each load and have the dryer duct cleaned at least once per year.

If your home has been impacted by a fire, we are here to help. With a 24/7 response and a team of fully trained experts, we can handle your restoration in a timely and effective manner.