House fires can have devastating effects in minutes. Understanding the most common causes of residential house fires is the first step in preventing them. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, 2022 national estimates show that there were 374,300 residential house fires and 2,720 deaths.
Cooking fires are consistently the leading cause of residential fires in the United States. These fires typically start when:
To help prevent kitchen fires, never leave cooking food unattended, and keep flammable items away from stovetops. Make sure to keep a fire extinguisher readily available and install working smoke detectors.
The second most common cause of house fires, heating equipment, can be particularly dangerous during the winter months. Problems often arise from:
Before winter arrives, it’s a good idea to have your heating systems, chimneys, and fireplaces inspected and cleaned by a professional. Remember to keep space heaters at least three feet away from anything flammable, and never use ovens or stovetops to heat your home.
Electrical fires can start from various sources throughout your home:
During the holiday season, many households run the risk of overloading electrical outlets or using damaged power cords. Take care to inspect and update any wiring and cords that are frayed or damaged, and avoid running cords under carpets or furniture.
While smoking-related fires have decreased over the years, they remain a significant cause of fatal house fires. Some common mistakes made by homeowners are:
To help prevent a fire from occurring, smoke outside whenever possible and be sure to completely douse cigarette butts with water before disposal. If you have children, keep lighters and matches out of reach.
Candles create ambiance, but require careful attention when in use. A fire can start from:
If you burn candles in your home, make sure to keep them at least 12 inches away from anything flammable and on sturdy surfaces so they aren’t easily knocked over. Never leave burning candles unattended and be sure to extinguish all candles before going to bed. During the holiday season, consider using flameless alternatives for your decorations instead.
Take time to assess the fire safety measures in your home and make any necessary improvements. The best defense is prevention, and regular maintenance, monitoring, and good safety habits can significantly reduce the risk of a house fire.
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This information is provided solely as an insurance risk management tool. It is provided with the understanding that the member insurance companies of the Utica National Insurance Group are not providing legal advice, or any other professional services or advice. Utica shall have no liability to any person or entity with respect to any loss or damages alleged to have been caused, directly or indirectly, by the use of this information.
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