Did you know that fire departments respond to a fire every 24 seconds in the United States alone? They respond to a structure fire every 63 seconds, house fire every 87 seconds, and outside property fires every 52 seconds.
With over one million fires occurring every year, the United States sees over 15,000 injuries, over 3,500 deaths, and over $25 billion in damage as a result of those fires.
Homeowners and business owners are faced with a wide range of challenges when avoiding these fires, especially as the world becomes more digital and electronic. Knowing how to prevent them is one of the best things you can do for your home or business.
Of course, that’s only possible if you understand the most common causes of residential and commercial fires. Don’t worry, we’re going to break down the top-five causes of fire damage Philadelphia residents should prepare for inside the home or business.
1. Cooking
Cooking is one of the most common causes of fires and accounts for nearly 48% of all residential fires. Most of these fires are caused by grease overheating or due to the homeowner not paying attention to their food while cooking.
To prevent this, keep your cooking utensils up to date, clean your appliances frequently, and remain in the kitchen when cooking — especially when using oil.
2. Electrical
While electrical fires account for only 7% of residential fires and 8% of nonresidential fires, they are often some of the most dangerous fires. They generally happen in a hidden place and have time to spread or grow before the home- or business owner is aware.
To prevent this, have an electrician check all the wiring in your home and ensure everything is up-to-date. If anything needs to be replaced or cleaned, do so immediately. You should also be aware of where you place cords that are in use.
3. Christmas Trees
You might not expect it, but Christmas trees account for a pretty portion of the fires we see each year. It’s a large reason why fire departments are generally busy during the holiday season.
To prevent a Christmas tree fire, you need to be careful of the amount of heat you have on your tree. Lights get extremely hot and many people place them next to a fireplace. You should also avoid keeping the lights on for long periods of time.
4. Smoking
While not as popular as it once was, people that smoke in the house increase their risk of a fire. We can also throw candles in this category because they can be just as dangerous.
If you’re going to smoke in the house, be careful and always make sure to put your butt out when finished. You should also never leave the room with a candle lit or fall asleep when a candle is lit.
5. Accidental
Nearly 8% of all residential fires and nearly 12% of all nonresidential fires are unintentional or due to careless acts. This is why it’s important to always stay on your toes when at home or in the office. Being aware of your surroundings is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your business.
In the event a fire does occur and you need a fire and water damage restoration company in Philadelphia to return your home to its original state, contact your trusted professionals at Priority Restoration.
We have quick response times and are experts at removing the smell leftover inside your Villanova home or business.
We understand this is a difficult time for you, your family, or your Philadelphia business. That’s why we stay dedicated to delivering you some good news. Contact us today!
