Your home is where your heart is. It’s a place for warmth, family, and comfort. Unfortunately, it’s also a place where 30% of all fires start. As a building restoration company, we’ve seen it time and time again, and we don’t want to. That’s why it’s best to be aware of the top five causes of home fires.
Smoking
The leading cause of home fire deaths comes from smoking. Pipes, cigarettes, cigars, and other materials are responsible for 21% of these cases, and worse yet, 25% of victims weren’t even the original smoker.
You can:
- Smoke outside
- Be cautious with e-cigarettes, which can explode while charging
- Never smoke near medical oxygen
- Use a sturdy ashtray, and do not toss lit buts near bushes and leaves.
Heating equipment
The second-most cause of home fire fatalities is heating equipment. Space heaters are involved in 66% of home fire deaths, so keep extra careful in December, January, and February.
You can:
- Test your smoke alarms once a month.
- Vent fuel-burning equipment outside to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning
- Keep flammable materials away from heaters
- Get your chimney an annual professional cleaning and inspection
Cooking
In general, the leading cause of home fires is the kitchen, and cooking fires are responsible for 50% of injuries from home fires.
You can:
- Use a kitchen timer to keep alert
- Turn off the stove when you leave the kitchen
- Never pour water on a grease fire
- Keep flammable items away from the stove and oven.
- Smother a cooking fire by turning off the burner and covering it.
Electrical Equipment
Electrical and lighting equipment can create a hazard in the home. Ten percent of home fires are caused by lighting, electrical cords, wiring, and plugs.
You can:
- Keep children away from electrical sockets
- Unplug appliances when not in use
- Do not fit lamps with light bulbs above the recommended wattage
- Install arc-fault circuit interrupters where wiring is old
- Do not run electrical cords where they could be damaged
Candles
The winter holidays are all about merriness and brightness, but open flames always come with a potential for danger.
You can:
- Extinguish candles before going to sleep.
- Keep candles on sturdy surfaces.
- Keep lit candles away from pets and small children
- Keep candles at least one foot away from flammable objects.
Contact Genesis Construction Today
With over 25 years of experience as a building restoration company, Genesis Construction is here to ensure your restoration won’t give you any more headaches. If your Chicagoland home has suffered fire damage, contact us today for a quote, or call 1.847.895.4422
