In this blog entry, the professional Greater NYC area fire damage restoration team here at 24 SERV will detail the best ways to prevent fire damage to your home.
What are the most common causes of house fires?
- Flammable gas fires caused by propane grills or malfunctioning gas fireplaces
- Fires caused by flammable or combustible liquids like gasoline or chemicals
- Electrical fires caused by wiring or damaged circuits or outlets
How can I better prevent house fires?
- Inspect wiring and outlets for damage and never overload circuits or use damaged electrical cords
- Make sure that all gas appliances have proper ventilation and are stored properly. Regularly check for leaks in containers of any flammable gas or liquid
- Store all flammable liquids in approved containers and away form ignition ports or heat sources
What are the different types of home fires?
- Electrical fires – Usually caused by overloaded circuits or bad wiring. Never try to put these out with water as it is incredibly dangerous
- Spontaneous combustion fires – Common when heat builds up in dry materials like hay or oily materials like rags soaked in gasoline
- Oil / grease fires – Caused when cooking oils reach too high a temperature and catch fire. Water will spread this type of fire and should never be poured on a grease fire to put it out
- Chemical fires – Caused when chemicals are mixed together or improperly stored
- Natural gas fires – Often caused by leaks in pipelines or natural gas fueled appliances
How can I better prepare for the risk of home damage?
- Check that all gas lines and electrical systems are properly maintained with consistent maintenance
- Check that all oil, grease, gas, and chemicals are properly stored and contained, away from heat sources
- Make sure that there’s flood barrier around your property if applicable
