It can be tough to keep track of the sheer amount of stuff we have in our homes these days, and unfortunately, plenty of that stuff can present a serious fire hazard. If you’re like most homeowners, there a good chance you have a few hidden fire hazards lurking in your home that you may not even know about.
What might they be? Check out our fire restoration contractors’ list of the most common hazards below so you can take measures to safeguard your loved ones and your property.
Non-Functional Smoke Detector
It’s a sad reality, but every year, people lose their lives in house fires because their smoke detectors didn’t alert them to the fact that there was a fire present. Usually, the problem stems from one of the following issues:
● Dead batteries
● Batteries that were removed to stop false fire alarms
● Outdated detectors that don’t function anymore and weren’t tested
To avoid a house fire and the resulting fire damage restoration that comes along with it, make sure your smoke detector is fully functional at all times. Test it monthly and replace the batteries regularly. If it’s in a place where you can’t hear it easily, move it.
Flammable Materials Near the Stove
Do you keep towels hanging on your oven handle? It may be time to reconsider that habit if you’re not keen on dealing with fire damage. It’s not uncommon for grease or oil to overheat in a pan and start a cooking fire. Those flames can easily ignite flammable materials nearby, which includes your towels hanging on the oven handle.
Piles of Dirty Clothes Near a Gas-Powered Water Heater
Plenty of homes have gas-powered water heaters in the laundry room, and plenty of homeowners toss their dirty clothes on the floor in the closet that houses that water heater. If you’re one of them, it’s time to get a hamper and put it far away from your gas-powered water heater.
If you leave things as is, when your water heater powers on, the flame could ignite your clothing and that fire will spread in a hurry.
Dirty Stovetop Burners
If your stovetop burners or the stovetop itself is caked in grease and grime, even a small burner fire can quickly get out of hand. To avoid the need for fire damage restoration, make sure the area around your burners is totally clean before you turn on the heat. That goes for both gas-powered and electric stoves.
Dirty Chimney
If you have a fireplace and use it to warm your home, you should be getting your chimney cleaned at least once per year. Whether you DIY it or hire a pro, it doesn’t really matter, as long as it’s getting done.
In addition to keeping your chimney clean, make sure you keep all flammable materials far away from your fireplace or woodstove. According to the United States Fire Administration, wood-burning fireplaces and stoves cause about 4,000 house fires each year, so if you want to avoid needing fire damage restoration services, be mindful.
Wobbly or Sparking Outlets
If any of your household outlets are loose, do not use them. Call an electrician to schedule outlet replacements at your earliest convenience. The same idea applies to outlets that produce sparks when you plug something in. Loose and sparking outlets indicate the presence of deeper electrical damage, which can easily spark a fire within your walls.
Paying close attention to the state of your electrical system is one of the most effective things you can do to avoid a house fire and the resulting need for fire damage restoration.
Call Kiser for All Your Fire Damage Restoration Needs
If you ever find yourself the unfortunate victim of a house fire, call our team at Kiser as soon as the flames are out. We specialize in fire damage restoration, smoke damage cleanup, contents cleaning, and home renovation services, and we’ve proudly served Elk River, MN and the surrounding areas for nearly two decades.
To learn more about our services, give us a call today at 763-633-2010 or contact us online, and we’ll be in touch. If you’re in need of 24-hour emergency service, don’t hesitate to call our emergency response line at 612-518-8852.