Five Leading Causes of Home Fires

1/21/2019 (Permalink)

Have you ever wondered if one type of incident or action is more likely to lead to a home fire than another? As it turns out, there are five causes that are more prevalent than others. Read on to learn what they are and what you can do to avoid them.

1. Cooking

Cooking fires are the number-one cause of all fires in the United States. They usually occur when someone leaves a kitchen appliance unattended while cooking. Frying creates the greatest threat.

2. Heating Appliances
Devices such as furnaces and space heaters also pose a significant fire risk. Similar to cooking fires, many of these accidents happen when a piece of equipment is left unattended or if it is operated incorrectly.

3. Electrical Gear
A home fire can also be caused by equipment used for electrical or lighting purposes. This includes lamps, power outlets and other objects that run on electricity. Once again, careful and attentive operation of electrical devices is crucial to stay safe.

4. Intentional Situations
Unfortunately some fires are started intentionally by those wishing to create chaos and destruction. Arson makes up the fourth largest category of household fires in the United States. Many perpetrators are under the age of eighteen.

5. Smoking-Related Accidents
Smoke-related fires are the fifth most common kind in the United States. Always practice common sense safety procedures if you are planning on smoking in or near your home.

A home fire is never a pleasant thing to think about, but knowing the leading causes of these disasters can help you to avoid them and the aftermath of a fire. Remember to always call for help and evacuate the premises if a fire begins in your home. Having a family evacuation plan is a must! Being educated is one of the first steps to take in order to keep your home, your family and yourself safer each day.

SERVPRO of Sooland specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. We can handle any size disaster!

Call us at (712) 274-2416