Every year, over 350,000 house fires occur in the US, leading to over 2,500 deaths.
Even though the number of fires and fire deaths have decreased significantly over the past four decades, the statistics remain troubling. While the US recorded 734,000 home fires in 1980, the drop in incidents seems to have reached a plateau in the past years, leading to over 13,500 civilian deaths between 2013 and 2017. Ignoring natural disasters and catastrophic firestorms that can’t be prevented, the most common causes of fire are in your home. More often than not, homeowners who experience a home blaze are more likely to have – accidentally – started the fire themselves.
This leads to an important question; namely whether people are prepared to handle a fire emergency. You’d be surprised to know that, more often than not, homeowners are not equipped to smother flames. More worryingly, they are unaware of the potential fire hazards under their roof.
Electrical systems
If there’s one thing every homeowner can agree on is that the work is never over. You always have a new idea for a renovation project. However, when you’re a weekend DIY-er, you know that projects can take a lot of time. However, when you’re running a tight budget, you can be tempted to choose snail’s pace DIY over professional services in the effort to save money. But, you need to be clear about your skills. Tasks that require specialist knowledge, such as your electricity, should be left to professionals. Amateur electrical projects can put your house at risk and Void your home warranty. The best solution is to get the structural and electrical work done by contractors ahead of the project. You can then take the DIY route for a new light fixture, but bigger electrical jobs need to be done by a licensed electrician.
A dirty fireplace
Your fireplace might be your key to heavenly bliss at the end of a long, cold day. But owning a fireplace implies you know how to look after it. Indeed, failing to stay behind your chimney sweep maintenance can lead to dramatic issues. Indeed, each time a log burns, it releases a tar-like substance that lines the inside of your chimney, it’s called creosote. Creosote, as it happens, is hugely inflammable in the presence of hot sparks. If you let it build up, your next cozy evening by the fireplace can turn into a hot blaze mess.
You’re a bit too generous on the cooking oil
Everyone loves freshly fried donuts and crispy battered chicken – or vegetables if you prefer a vegetarian meal. But if you’re not used to cooking with boiling oil at home, you could accidentally start a fire. Indeed, frying with oil is a common source of kitchen fire as it’s a substance that reacts dangerously to the presence of moisture in the food. Additionally keeping flammable items in the vicinity, such as paper towels to pat dry fried food can increase the risk of fire.
Houses fires can have dramatic consequences. You can’t afford to ignore the dangers that lurk inside your home. From dangerous DIY jobs to failure to maintain your heating and cooking equipment, it’s your responsibility as a homeowner to educate yourself about fire hazards.
I hope this has given you ideas on how to make your home safer. Thanks for stopping by today.
