Did you know that an attic is one of the most common rooms in a house to catch fire? Well, it’s true! Read on to find out the ways you can prevent an attic fire accident in your home.
Attic fires are a surprisingly common occurrence in households across America. In fact, according to the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA), more than an astounding 10,000 attic fires occur in the United States each year. This leads to an average of 35 deaths and a whopping $440 million in property damage!
It’s evident that this is an issue that every homeowner needs to know exactly how to deal with. So, what are the common causes of attic fires?
Well, the most common reason for residential attic fires are issues that lead to electrical malfunction from faulty wiring or failing equipment. If the circuits on your attic ever become overloaded, they will lead to breaker failure. This excess draw of energy will cause a fire to erupt in your attic. This electrical malfunction is such a common occurrence that according to FEMA, around 43% of all residential attic fires are caused by it. Some other common causes of attic fires include heating system issues as well as natural sources such as fallen trees and lightning!
So, now that you know the common causes of attic fires, let’s take a look at some tips and ways to prevent fires from erupting in your attic.
Tips to Prevent Attic Fire Accidents
Since attic fires are so common, it’s crucial for you to understand exactly what steps you can take to prevent such a scenario from occurring in your attic. When it comes to curtailing the risk of electrical fires from erupting, here are some key tips that you can follow:
- Make sure to remove all debris and excess lint that you spot in your attic.
- Ensure that you don’t plug in an overwhelming number of cords into a single power strip or outlet. This will help you avoid a blown circuit breaker.
- Make sure to hire a professional for proper attic insulation.
- Avoid storing flammable materials such as batteries, hazardous chemicals, and flammable liquids in your attic and store them in a cooler, darker, and drier place.
- Make sure to regularly clean your attic vents to remove the buildup of dust, lint, and other particles.
- Perform regular checkups in your attic and look for signs of water leakage in your roof as water can cause the electrical circuit to If you notice a leak in the roof, contact a professional service provider to seal it as soon as possible.
- Hire a professional service provider to review the electrical system in your home as they will be able to assess your property for possible vulnerabilities and help you prevent the risk of attic fires. They will inspect the wiring for signs of damage and decay.
