What are the Biggest Fire Hazards at Home?

9/28/2022 (Permalink)

Most Significant Fire Hazards in Your Home

Are you aware of the common fire hazards? We know that losing personal items and a safe place can devastate homeowners. Though some fires are unpredictable, most of them can be avoided with some safety precautions measures. 

From the Suffolk County fire damage professionals at SERVPRO of North Bay Shore, we’re here to share important advice to prevent a fire from starting in your home.

1. Cooking

According to the National Fire Protection Association, cooking was the number one cause of reported home fires from 2015 to 2019. When you’re cooking, stay alert and don’t leave anything unattended. Additionally, avoid using the stove if you are exhausted and limit kitchen items (e.g., oven mitts or wooden spoons) on your stovetop, as they are highly flammable.

2. Candles

As much as we love using candles to make our homes smell like apples and cinnamon, they are huge fire hazards that can get out of control easily. Before lighting a candle, ensure that you read the safety instructions to prevent burning it for any longer than what is recommended. Furthermore, candles should only be burned on heat-resistant surfaces, away from children and pets.

3. Smoking

Smoking in a house could have various consequences, the main one being causing a fire. If cigarettes are not properly put out, they can create a flame, as the end of the cigarette can remain lit for hours, making it a risk. Make sure to use a sturdy ashtray on a solid surface, not on a chair or sofa, because someone may bump into it, and it will start a fire. What’s more, avoid throwing hot cigarette butts on the ground.

4. Barbecues

Hosting a family gathering is all fun and games until there is a fire. When you are barbecuing, ensure your grill is outside and has a clear path around it, meaning no plants, tablecloths, or tree branches nearby. We recommend that you maintain the grill by cleaning it with soapy water and cleaning the grease trap to reduce the fire risk.

5. Electrical Equipment

A myriad of electrical items can lead to a fire transpiring; lamps are one of the most hazardous ones. Due to the lightbulb's high temperature, ensure that it is not touching flammable objects and does not remain powered when you leave the house. 

Another fire hazard is extension cords. If there are too many cords plugged into the power strip, it can cause a spark. A good tip is to unplug cables once you are not using them anymore or to invest in a surge-protected power strip.

24-Hour Emergency Fire Damage Services

Though you may be experiencing a stressful situation, we’re here to help. Located in North Bay Shore, NY, SERVPRO offers emergency disaster damage repair and restoration services for residents and business owners. Contact us today at (631) 948-2458 or fill out a form for assistance!