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Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration

Common Causes of Fires

10/16/2019 (Permalink)

Helping make fire damage, "like it never even happened."

The top 5 most common causes of house fires and safety tips:

  1. Candles

  • Never leave a candle burning near flammable items or in a child’s room.

  • Make sure candles fit securely into candleholders so they do not tip over.

  • Blow out any candles before leaving a room or going to sleep.

  1. Smoking

  • If you smoke, consider smoking outside.

  • Use wide, sturdy ashtrays to catch butts and ashes.

  • Look for cigarette butts under furniture and between seat cushions to make sure no lit butts have fallen someplace where they cannot be seen.

  • Do not smoke in bed, when you are tired or around medical oxygen.

  1. Electrical & Lighting
  • Do not overload outlets or electrical cords.

  • Make sure you have the right cord for the job. Inside cords for inside, heavy duty/outside cords for outdoor use.

  • Do not leave Christmas lights, Christmas trees, or halogen lights on overnight or when not at home.

  • Consider having an electrician perform an annual checkup of your home’s wiring.

  1. Dryers & Washing Machines

  • Clean the lint screen frequently and do not run the dryer without it.

  • For gas and propane dryers, make sure there are not any leaks in the lines.

  • Check the vent of the dryer, outside of the house and ensure nothing blocks the vent pipe.

  • Clean the vent pipe and the area where the screen is housed.

  • Keep the area around the dryer free of combustible materials.

  1. Lightning

  • Stay away from doors and windows during an electrical storm.

  • Do not use computers, TVs or other electrical equipment during storms.

  • Unplug major electronics: TVs, stereo equipment, computers and microwaves to minimize damage if there is a lightning strike close by.

  • Avoid plumbing such as sinks, baths and faucets during a thunderstorm.



The overall ideas are thanks to the National Fire Protection Association.

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