While many modern conveniences—like electric lights and natural gas stoves—make our daily lives easier, they also pose a fire risk. Even a minor blaze can require home restoration services. To avoid property damage and keep your family safe, the following guide offers tips for how to avoid fire hazards.

What Contributes to House Fires?

1. Cooking

Kitchen fires account for almost half of home fires each year. It only takes a moment for an open flame to catch nearby fabric or for grease to ignite. Therefore, never leave cooking food unattended. That goes for outdoor cooking as well. Always have someone manning the grill.

Furthermore, make sure paper towels, dishrags, and other fabrics are far from the stove. Purchase a fire extinguisher to keep under the sink or smother grease fires with baking soda.

2. Electrical Devices

Many older homes were not built to handle the number of devices that people use daily nowadays. Therefore, arrange for a safety inspection. Electricians can check that your activities aren’t stressing the circuits beyond what they can handle and that your wiring is not frayed or melted. If needed, they can install more outlets, upgrade your electric panels, or replace outdated wires. 

If your outlets are ever warm to the touch, have scorch marks surrounding them, or if you smell a burning behind the walls, turn off the breaker linked to that outlet and schedule emergency service. 

3. Heaters

Space heaters use an electric coil system to generate heat. The process can ignite nearby fabrics and combustibles. Never leave heaters unattended and make sure there are at least three feet of clear space around the heater. You should also check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors monthly during the winter.

Unfortunately, a fire can break out no matter how many precautions you take. If you require home restoration following an incident, contact Solid Management Disaster & Restoration Services. These professionals are based in Pagosa Springs, CO, and offer a wide range of disaster recovery services. Call (970) 946-4562 to schedule a home restoration consultation. Learn more about their capabilities on their website.