5 Unexpected Home Fire Starters

11/4/2020 (Permalink)

There are a number of surprising causes that people do not think of as fire hazards.

Home fires are an extremely frightening to think about and something that many homeowners assume will never happen to them. While a home fire may seem like a rarity, there are approximately 4,000 deaths each year due to home fires in the United States. The National Fire Protection Association states that a new home fire is reported in the United States every minute and a half. So, while it may seem like an infrequent occurrence, home fires are in fact prevalent and dangerous across the country.

Fire damage is quick to occur and often impacts large areas of a home. As such, working to prevent a home fire from happening in the first place is critical for all homeowners. First and foremost, every family should have a fire emergency plan. From escape routes to checking on family members to grabbing particular must-have possessions, this plan should be thorough, understood, and reviewed regularly by the entire family. Next, it is important to determine some of the most common causes of home fires.

When people think of home fires then often associated them with dryers, candles, and smoking. However, there are a number of surprising causes that people do not think of as fire hazards. The following are some of the most unexpected home fire starters:

1. Circuit Breakers: Old or faulty wiring in a circuit breaker can catch fire more easily than many think.
2. Dishwashers: The heating and motor components in a dishwasher can cause a fire, even though there is plenty of water present.
3. Jars: when the sun reflects off of a glass jar a fire can start, as such is it is critical to avoid keeping flammable liquids in a glass jar.
4. Smoke Detectors: what surprises many, smoke detectors themselves can catch on fire due to a malfunction.
5. Old Appliances: wiring in outdated appliances has a tendency to become faulty and can thus present a fire hazard.

The above causes of home fires makes it clear that it is up to the homeowner to not only act responsibly in keeping hazardous materials in check, but they also must make sure to regularly check appliances throughout the home for functionality. At SERVPRO of North Palm Beach County, we are fire damage experts. Contact us today to learn more!