Learn Common Fire Causes to Reduce Your Risk

11/6/2021 (Permalink)

Fire damage in Arnold, MO.

Common Fire Causes

Learning about leading causes of home fires may help you make changes that can reduce your family’s risk of experiencing such devastation in Arnold, MO. The National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) gathers and reports information on fire causes. Based on their findings, here is some useful information on the top sources of home fires:

1. Cooking Fires
According to NFPA, 47% of home structure fires were caused by cooking. The majority of these incidents happen while using the stovetop. To prevent kitchen fires, don’t cook when you are sleepy or under the influence, and always stay in the kitchen while cooking with high heat, especially frying. If you are slow-cooking, such as for braising or roasting, don’t leave home.

2. Heating Equipment
To prevent a home fire from a heater or fireplace, make sure everyone in your home knows the 3-foot-zone rule: keep all materials and people at least three feet from any heat source. Use a screen in front of your fireplace to protect from sparks and have your chimney cleaned every year. Make sure ashes are completely cool before storing them away from the house in a sturdy, lidded, metal container. Before going to bed, make sure fires are out and space heaters are off.

3. Electrical or Lighting
When using appliances, prevent a home fire by plugging in only one heat-producing appliance per outlet. This includes small appliances like toasters, waffle makers, and hot plates. Never use extension cords or power strips for major appliances. Always use the right lightbulb wattage for each fixture.

4. Juvenile Fires
Male children are more likely to start a home fire. Surprisingly, most children that start fires are under the age of six. 52% of these fires were started with lighters. Just keeping lighters and matches out of reach of children can help reduce your family’s risk.
Fires can be devastating, but you can educate your family about the risks and safe practices to counter those risks. If you have a fire in your home, you can count on disaster specialists to help with all parts of your recovery: from mitigation and fire cleaning to rebuilding.