Your home is an important part of your family life–and likely your biggest investment. That’s why you want to protect it from the most common hazard: fire. The St. Paul fire department responds to an average of 500 residential fires every year, so take a few minutes to consider these seven causes of house fires and what you can do to help prevent them:
1. Kitchen Fires
The kitchen is where heat, electricity, water, and grease all meet and can start a fire. Never leave food unattended. 33% of all kitchen fires are caused by unattended cooking, especially frying. Grease fires can spread and get out of control quickly, so be mindful of any flammable materials like towels or clothes that can catch fire if they get too close to a stove burner.
2. Portable Heaters
Space heaters are a common cause of house fires during the winter months. Make sure you have at least three feet of clearance around a space heater and always shut them off when you leave the room. Do not use extension cords and be sure that the heater is properly situated so as not to tip over. When buying a space heater, look for an automatic shutoff feature that will turn the unit off if it starts to overheat.
3. Electrical Hazards
If you have an older home, your electrical system may be at risk. Frayed and worn wiring can cause a short or spark that can start a fire. Worn out and broken breaker boxes can cause breakers not to trip when a circuit is overloaded, resulting in a possible electrical fire. Be sure you have proper AFCI and GFI outlets in your home and use light bulbs that are the recommended wattage for your lighting appliance.
4. Candles
Candles smell nice and add a cozy element, but they are also major fire hazards. Never leave a candle burning overnight or when you leave a room. Keep the candle in a spot that’s away from any flammable materials like books or tissue boxes.
5. Dryer Vents
34% of dryer fires are caused because the dryer vent has not been cleaned. Your dryer is where heat and lint can be found: two things that can start a fire. Clean your lint filter after every load and clean with a brush every six months. Clean the vent pipe often or at least every three months, and inspect the outside opening of your vent for any lint or debris.
6. Outdoor Cooking
For many, when the weather gets warm, it’s time to barbeque—and that means bringing out the gas or charcoal grill. There are over 8,900 fires every year caused by gas grills. Grill away from your house and keep overhangs in mind. Always grill on a flat and stable surface to minimize tipping over. Keep your grill clean of grease and fat buildup and regularly inspect for gas leaks or other potential problems.
7. Flammable Liquids
We don’t realize the number of flammable liquids in our home or garages: nail polish, aerosols, gasoline, paint thinner, and more. These liquids and their fumes are dangerous, so store them at room temperature in the correct containers and capped properly. Keep these liquids away from any potential heat sources, and if they spill, use rags and dispose of them right away. Never wipe flammable liquids on your clothes.
Regularly inspecting your home with these hazards in mind will help prevent fires. Contact your insurance agent for more advice and to ensure your home has adequate fire loss coverage.
