5 Common Items In Your Home That Can Cause Enough Damage To Need Fire Damage Restoration

Humans are creatures of habit. We do things out of practice and preference and overlook the what-ifs because we have never experienced problems before. A home is no different. We buy things for comfort and self-care. Here are five common items you likely have in your home right now that when in use or misuse will cause enough damage to need Restore Pro for fire damage restoration.

Why Are There More Fires in The Winter?

According to the National Fire Protection Association, structural fires occur more in the winter because of accidental issues like wood fire mishaps, electrical heating equipment malfunctions, cooking catastrophes, and unintentional holiday preparation. With winter storms and freezing temperatures, more property owners are also finding ways to keep structures warm and heating costs affordable.

5 Common Items That Cause Enough Damage to Need Fire Damage Restoration

Portable Heaters & Generators

Portable space heaters and generators are the cause of two out of five fires in the wintertime. Not only do they operate on natural gas, electricity, kerosene, and propane, but they let off fumes that can have chemical reactions or can cause fires, electric shock, and burns. Not only should a home be properly vented, but carbon monoxide and fire alarms should be appropriately installed.

Tips to Avoid #FireDamage:

  • Make sure portable equipment has an automatic shut-off valve to prevent fires.
  • Do not place portable heaters and generators near flammable materials such as liquids, home textiles, or décor.

Fireplaces Or Wood Stoves

Fireplaces and wood stoves are commonly found in many American homes but can quickly become dangerous if improperly installed, used, or maintained. Mismanaged and dated wood-burning units can also become hazardous due to smoke emission, which poses a higher risk of a structural fire.

#Fireplace Tips:

  • Use fireplace screens or keep wood stove doors closed.
  • Have your fireplace and chimney inspected and cleaned of dust and creosote annually before winter usage.

Cooking Elements

Cookery elements like stoves or electrical and gas equipment pose a higher risk of structural damage because of human error, improper management, or electrical and gas malfunctions. Four in ten fires also result from oil ignition while three in ten results in injuries.  For this reason, those who cook need to be mindful this winter of using cooking elements that pose a higher safety risk.

Cooking Tips to Avoid #PropertyDamage

  • Be mindful that where there is smoke, there is a potential for fire.
  • Always be mindful when cooking to turn off the burner when not in the kitchen.
  • Use cooking elements properly and when using grease, do not overfill a pot or pan.
  • Turn all pot and pan handles toward the back burners to avoid injuries.
  • Use a large lid or handful of salt to put out small stove fires.

Christmas Trees & Holiday Décor

From real Christmas trees to holiday lights and electrical décor, it shouldn’t surprise many that these are commonly used items that can cause structural fires. Especially if a person forgets to water a Christmas tree, it will get drier over the month of December until it becomes so dehydrated that it ignites from direct electrical heat. Be mindful this holiday season to maintain them.

#Holiday Safety Tips

  • Retain a water level of at least two inches above a tree’s root cut.
  • Avoid using flammable holiday décor.

Candles

According to FEMA, more than 23,600 residential structural fires, 1,525 injuries, 165 fatalities, and $390 million in property damage occurs from candle usage. Candle usage increases in the winter because of ice or snowstorms that cause electrical outages. While you can’t control the weather, you can use heat-resistant candle holders, supervise them, and avoid flammable objects.

Tips For #CandleSafety

  • Do not leave candles burning when leaving a room.
  • Do not continue to burn a candle until the wick is bare.
  • Use durable candle holders and do not move them when in usage.
  • If a candle’s flame intensifies or flickers, extinguish it immediately.
  • Do not place burning candles beside each other. Try placing them three to four inches apart.

What Should I Do If I Need Fire Damage Restoration Services?

The first thing you should do is call Restore Pro’s office at 1-800-847-0114 for emergency services because the Fire Marshall will not be able to leave until a professional company is on-site to make sure the area and structure are stable and safe. Restore Pro experts have wide-ranging skills and certifications, so we handle construction needs as well as fire, water, sewage, and mold restoration.

If you experience a fire and need Restore Pro for fire damage restoration, you can call us at 1-800-847-0114 or visit us at https://www.facebook.com/RestorePro911/. We are available 24/7/365 for emergency fire needs, so do not hesitate to call us any time day or night. You can also send us a direct message on Facebook where we will respond quickly to all emergency structural fire situations.