Don’t know the most common reasons behind indoor fires? Let’s find out.
With an increase in outdoor temperature, the likelihood of indoor fire accidents increases. Studies conducted by the NFPA show that, on average, 7 people die because of house fires every day. Similar studies show that more than 80% of the causes of these indoor fires have something to do with cooking and heating. These numbers are shocking, but in-depth knowledge of the causes can help you prevent indoor fires to a great extent.
Here are three of the most common reasons behind indoor fires, and ways to prevent them.
Reason # 1: Cooking
The best time of the day is when the entire family gathers at the dining table for dinner, lunch or breakfast. This time should be soothing, and not the one that leads to panic. Studies have shown that between 2010 and 2014, 46% of the fire accidents were caused by cooking. Out of which, 19% were life-threatening, while more than 40% caused severe injuries. According to the NFPA, Thanksgiving is the time when the likelihood of cooking fires is the highest.
Follow the below-mentioned tips to prevent cooking fires.
- Never leave a meal unattended while it is cooking. Always stick around, for you never know when it can go down.
- Keep the kitchen area free of clutter, and especially flammable items such as papers, cardboard boxes, cloths, and aerosol cans.
- Install smoke detectors in the kitchen.
- If a fire starts, leave the place immediately and call the fire brigade.
Reason # 2: Heating
The second cause of indoor fires on our list is none other than heating. The percentage of heating-inflicted fires is highest during December and January. Portable and stationary heaters are the leading cause behind a majority of heating fire incidents and deaths. Chimneys and flammable objects like are also two of the causes behind heating fires.
Here are a few ways to prevent heating fires inside the homes.
- To prevent heating fires, make sure there is at least a three feet long safety barrier around the heater area.
- Clean the chimneys, for they accumulate a flammable material called creosote. Creosote is a flammable material formed from the ashes of burnt wood.
- Make sure the heaters are powered off, while you are not around.
- Install a screen to keep the sparks out of your living space.
Reason # 3: Electrical Problems
Studies show that the third and most common reason behind indoor fire accidents, injuries and deaths are electrical faults and malfunctions.
- Never overload an outlet, and plug only a single appliance at a time.
- Always replace faulty and malfunctioning chords.
- Install fault inceptors throughout the house.
These were some of the most common reasons behind indoor fires. Make sure to follow the prevention tips mentioned above. In the case of a fire hazard, make sure to contact a professional fire restoration company in Louisville, KY.
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