According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), more than 4,000 home fires are reported each year in Michigan. These fires cause approximately $75 million in property damage and 80 fatalities every year. Home fires can be devastating, and many could be prevented if people were more aware of their risks and took steps to ensure a safe home environment.
To help you prevent a residential fire in your home, we’ve created this guide with some common causes of residential fires in Michigan:
Cooking Fires
Cooking fires are the leading cause of residential home fires in Michigan. It is important to keep in mind that cooking can be dangerous, and you need to take extra precautions when it comes to kitchen safety. Here are some best practices for avoiding or minimizing this risk:
- Never leave food unattended on the stovetop or in the oven
- Use extreme caution when cooking near children and pets
- Take all necessary precautions if you are using a new recipe
Candles
Candles can be a serious fire hazard. They should never be left unattended and must be placed in stable holders that have been tested to ensure they are flame-resistant. In addition, candles should never be burned within three feet of drapes, curtains, or other flammable items. Just as you would turn off the lights when you leave a room, make sure that candles are blown out, too.
Heating Equipment
As nice as space heaters are in the winter, they should be used with caution. If you have an older space heater and are concerned about its safety, consider replacing it with a new one that turns off automatically. Make sure all other heating equipment has been professionally installed and functions properly.
Fireplaces should have sturdy screens to prevent sparks from escaping into your home, as well as fireproof materials surrounding the fireplace opening itself. Never use flammable liquids such as alcohol or lighter fluid in a fireplace. Instead, light your wood logs with a long match or wooden stick––not paper.
Electrical Appliances
Electrical appliances can cause fires in a variety of ways, from shorts caused by loose connections to defects in the appliance itself. To reduce the risk of fire, have your home inspected by a qualified electrician when purchasing a new appliance and when having electrical work done on your home.
Smoking
It’s always safer to smoke outside than it is indoors. If you don’t have access to a safe place to smoke, consider using an electronic cigarette instead of combustible cigarettes.
Because tobacco products are flammable and often contain matches or lighters that can ignite fires, it’s important to put them out completely before disposing of them. We recommend using an ashtray with sand in it so that if the cigarette falls over, it won’t start a fire.
Christmas Trees
As the holiday season approaches, it’s time to think about all the fun activities that come with this festive time of year. While putting up a Christmas tree is a tradition that many families enjoy, it can also be dangerous if precautions aren’t taken to prevent fires. To reduce risk, keep trees away from open flames like candles and space heaters and make sure all cords are not covered by decorations and presents.
The holidays are a time for family, friends, and coming together. However, they can also be a time for increased fire risk. This is because people often use candles, open flames, and Christmas trees to create the perfect atmosphere during winter months. While these things might seem harmless, they can cause serious damage if not handled correctly. If you spot a fire, call 911 immediately!
We know mistakes happen. If you’re searching for a quality, Michigan-based restoration company, call Hammer Restoration today.