Common Causes of Home Fire

7/10/2019 (Permalink)

A fire in a bedroom in a local home.

Understanding the leading causes of home fires and what you can do to prevent them will keep your family safer. There is research by the National Safety Council that home fires have decreased over the years and most fires are preventable with some knowledge and care to minimize the risks.

According to the National Fire Protection Association these are the leading causes of home fires and preventable measures:

• Cooking is the leading cause of home fires                Keep combustibles away from heat source                Keep pot handles inward

•                 Keep children and pets away from the cooking area
•                Do not leave the kitchen while cooking on the stove top

• Heating equipment Flammable materials should be kept at a distance
• Watch portable heaters and never go to bed leaving them on

• Keep children three feet away from heating equipment or fireplace
• Keep equipment clean

• Electrical distribution and lighting equipment
• Electrical cords should be in good condition, check for frayed wires
• Check your light fixtures for the correct wattage and do not use bulbs that exceed the recommended wattage.

• Do not run cords under carpet
• Always have electrical work done by a professional

• Smoking is the leading cause of fire deaths
• Smoking materials should be keep out of the reach the children

• Always us an ashtray and don’t discard butts or ashes where they could encounter materials that can burn
• Do not smoke indoors. Death results from fires starting in family room, and bedrooms

Following these simple recommendations can help reduce the chance of a fire in your home. If you do experience a fire in your home, call your local fire department immediately.

SERVPRO of the North Coast is here to help, call us at – 216-221-3333.