Household fires are, unfortunately, a common occurrence, costing homeowners billions of dollars in damage every year. However, you can prevent this type of incident by understanding the common reasons for them. Various household appliances could be dangerous if they're not properly maintained and if family members don't adhere to safety practices. The following guide outlines how dryer vent cleaning and other services can protect your home.

Why Household Fires Break Out and How to Prevent Them

1. Dirty Dryer Vent

Clothes dryers are involved in thousands of house fires each year. Lint and debris often build up in the vent at the back of the appliance, which can cause a fire hazard because airflow is inhibited. Cleaning your dryer's lint trap each time you do a load of laundry to drastically reduce the amount of particles that filter through the machine's vent. When the duct attached to the back of the dryer begins to sag, you likely need to replace it. The dip in the hose is a prime place for lint to collect.

At least once a year, unplug the dryer and pull it away from the wall. If you have a gas-powered appliance, turn off and disconnect the line, as well. Disconnect the duct from the vent at the back of the dryer and vacuum it out to remove lint and debris. If you're worried about tackling this task by yourself, add it to your spring-cleaning list, and call a professional crew for help.

2. Cooking

Around 49% of house fires begin in the kitchen. When plastic utensils are left too close to heat sources or cooking oil in pans gets too hot, flames can leap up and get out of control quickly. The most important rule of kitchen safety is never to leave the stove unattended. 

You should also always have a fire extinguisher close by in case of emergencies. You can also put out an oil or grease fire using salt or baking soda or smothering the flames. However, never use water. 

3. Heating Equipment

Space heaters can be dangerous when used improperly. Never leave them unattended or too close to other objects, like drapes, furniture, or stacks of books and magazines. Move anything that could catch fire to another part of the room. Many space heaters now come equipped with safety features, such as auto-off switches if they get tipped over. However, even with these extra safety features, you need to exercise caution with heat-producing units.

Preventing household fires can be as simple as scheduling a dryer vent cleaning with Dryer Vent Squad of Northwest MS LLC. Whether you need repairs or routine cleaning, their team offers results you can rely on. This woman-owned company proudly services residential and commercial clients, and they offer lifetime guarantees on dryer vent covers and vents. Call (662) 262-6426 to book a dryer vent cleaning appointment, or visit the website for more information.