Here are the five leading causes of house fires:
It’s no surprise that candles are a major cause of house fires. We all enjoy the romantic atmosphere that candles bring to a dinner table or the nice scent they bring to a room. But far too often, they are forgotten and left burning.
Here are a few tips to prevent candles from causing fires in your home:
- Never leave a candle burning near flammable items.
- Never leave a candle burning in an unoccupied room.
- Make sure candles fit securely in their holders.
- Blow out candles before leaving a room.
2) Electrical & Lighting
Electrical fires happen. The best way to prevent electrical fires is to have your home inspected annually by an electrician to check for any faulty wiring in the walls. You should also be careful not to overload your outlets. Use the standard extension cords for indoor and outdoor use and turn lights and electronics off when you’re not home. For extra protection, be sure that you have proper house insurance coverage.
3) Kids & Matches
The number of house fires that children start is alarming. The NFPA reports that 7,100 home fires are unintentionally caused by kids. It’s important to be sure that your child understands fire and safety rules. Far too often, children will light a match or start a lighter and not realize the potential consequences of their actions. Be sure to explain the potential dangers of fire to your children and create some general rules to help with fire safety.
4) Cooking
Another cause of house fires and an important reason to have house insurance, is cooking in the kitchen. Cooking is the number one source of house fires, according to the NFPA.
Consider these essential tips to help avoid cooking fires:
- Don’t wear overly loose clothing that could catch fire from a flame.
- Be sure that pot holders, paper towels, dish rags, etc. are not near an open flame.
- Be alert and responsible. Don’t leave the house with the oven on, “to grab a missing ingredient.”
- Don’t throw water on a grease fire. Instead, smother the flame to end the fire.
- Always have working smoke detectors and a fire extinguisher nearby.
5) Dryers & Washing Machines
We don’t often think of our laundry machines as causes of concern, but they account for 16,800 home fires every year, according to the NFPA.
For your safety and the safety of your home:
- Clean the lint screen frequently.
- Vent the dryer to the outside of the house and make sure nothing is blocking it.
- Keep the area around the dryer free of flammable materials.
Being aware of the common causes of house fires will help you be better prepared for an emergency. Knowing what to look for and how to prevent house fires can help you avoid becoming one of these statistics. For reassurance and extra protection in case an accident happens, be sure to contact one of our brokers at Higgins Insurance. We can help you find the best house insurance policy for your home. Our family at Higgins Insurance makes it our mission to find you and your family the best house insurance at the best price.