Although there’s only a 1 in 3,000 chance that you will experience a house fire in a given year, it’s helpful to minimize your chances as much as possible. Knowing the most common causes of fire damage in US homes is the first step in understanding how to prevent them. Read on to learn the 5 most common causes of house fires in the Sunshine State.
The Most Common Causes of Fire Damage in Homes
The following are the most common causes of fire damage for homeowners in the US.
- Electrical fires
- Cooking fires
- Smoking
- Heating fires
- Arson
1. Electrical Fires
Electrical fires are caused by a variety of factors. Some of these factors include:
- Antiquated or faulty wiring
- Overloaded circuits
- Malfunctioning appliances
Old or improperly installed wiring increases your risk of a house fire. Electrical fires can be prevented by having your electrical system inspected regularly, avoiding the overuse of extension cords and power strips, and buying higher-quality appliances from trusted sources. Using proper charging cords for cell phones and other electronic devices is also crucial.
2. Cooking Fires
Another frequent source of fire damage for Florida homeowners is cooking fires. Most cooking fires are caused by unattended cooking, overheating oil, or by storing flammable objects near stovetops.
The best way to prevent cooking fires is to never leave your kitchen unattended while preparing food. If you need to step away momentarily to answer the door or tend to a family member, be sure that you have timers set to remind you when your food is done.
3. Smoking
Not only is smoking a common cause of house fires but it is also one of the leading causes of home fire deaths. People will sometimes fall asleep while smoking a cigarette, improperly dispose of kindling cigarette butts, or accidentally smoke too close to flammable objects. The best way to prevent smoke fires is to not smoke at all or to be situationally aware if you choose to smoke inside your home. You should never smoke while laying in bed.
4. Heating Fires
It may come as a surprise that heating fires are one of the leading causes of fire damage in Florida homes. However, it’s precisely because of Florida’s climate that these types of fires are common. Most homes in peninsular Florida are not equipped with standard furnaces like our northern neighbors. Most have heat pumps, at best. Cold spells are rare and often short-lived in the Sunshine State.
Therefore, many Floridians attempt to improvise for a lack of heat source by using dangerous space heaters, poorly-maintained fireplaces, or even using their dryer’s exhaust as a temporary heat source during unseasonably cold nights.
If you don’t have a fireplace or furnace and you must use space heaters, be sure to use newer models that are constructed according to proper industry standards. Additionally, ensure that space heaters have adequate distance from other objects. Keep flammable objects away from space heaters at all times and never leave them running unmonitored.
5. Arson
Lastly, arson is another common cause of fire damage in Florida. Arson prevention is key. Ensure that you have proper lighting and security measures in place around your property. A robust security strategy for your home includes the use of security cameras, motion detectors, and an actively monitored security system. Depending on your neighborhood, you may be more susceptible to arson.
Legacy Restoration, LLC Is the Leader in Fire Damage Restoration in the United States
In the face of disaster, you need an empathetic and experienced fire damage restorer that you can trust. At Legacy Restoration, LLC, we have decades of combined experience working on fire damage losses throughout the Southeastern, Southwestern, and Great Lakes regions of the United States.
Our team has specialized knowledge and equipment–allowing us to efficiently manage any sized project. We provide emergency board-up services to secure your property immediately after the fire department leaves the scene. Then, we begin the process of working with your insurance company to restore your home to its pre-loss condition.
Contact us today for all of your fire damage restoration needs.