On average, fire departments in the U.S. respond to more than 350,000 home fire calls per year – that’s about one call every 85 seconds! And since about seven people per day die in home fires in the U.S., the danger is real and something you should be cognizant of, especially during the winter months when we spend more time inside and use heating equipment to stay warm, effectively increasing the risk of fires at home.

We help homeowners across the state of Michigan pick up the pieces after wind, water and fire disasters at their homes, and much of the fire and smoke damage we see is very preventable. Our team of fire restoration experts has put together a list of prevention measures based on its experience doing fire-damage repairs and speaking with homeowners about how the damage occurred.

• Kitchen fires – the number one cause of home fires and home injuries, kitchen fires are especially dangerous, and should be top of mind for all homeowners. From grease fires to wooden utensils, oven mitts and food packaging near open flames, kitchens present a number of hazards. Click here to view the National Fire Protection Association’s tips for cooking safely.
• Electrical fires – a large number of electrical fires are caused by faulty electrical outlets and old appliances. Never use appliances with frayed cords that can transfer heat to nearby floors, curtains or rugs. Also, never remove a prong from a plug to be used in a two-prong outlet it’s not suited for.

Light fixtures are another leading cause of electrical fires. Be sure not to use a light bulb with a wattage that exceeds the requirements of a fixture, and never place objects or materials over a light fixture or lampshade. Doing so could cause the material to ignite and start a fire in your home.

• Candles – even small candles can burn a large structure to the ground. Left unattended, something as unassuming as a winter draft can draw the flame toward a flammable object, such as a curtain, and create a disastrous scenario – as can a curious pet, child or adult who knocks a candle over. If you’re going to use candles, be sure they’re placed in proper holders and clear of flammable objects, pets and foot traffic that could create a dangerous situation.
• Smoking – we all know the health risks associated with smoking, but often, the high risk of home fires associated with taking a drag escape those who indulge. Smoking causes a high number of fire-related deaths each year; if you’re going to smoke, make sure you use a proper ash tray and do not fall asleep while smoking.
• Chimney fires – click here for our blog post about fireplace and chimney safety.
• Heating fires – the NFPA offers several resources for staying warm and safe this winter. Click here for the info.

Be sure to install and maintain smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors in your home! Doing so could save your life – and your family members’ lives!

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Whether your home has been damaged by wind or water, or fire or smoke, we’re here to help you navigate the restoration process, and the complex insurance claims process, and to return you and your family to normalcy as quickly as possible.

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