10 Most Common Causes Of Fires And How To Prevent Them!
According to the UK Fire Department, most fire emergency calls are related to domestic accidents. Fires caused by kitchen neglect, short circuits or the misuse of chemicals are some of the most common causes. Also, outdoor fires are induced by campfires and flammable waste that, believe it or not, can do a lot of damage to the surrounding people and the ecosystem.
If you want to prevent accidents, look at the 10 most common causes of fires according to statistics issued by the UK Government, updated in 2017 and how you can prevent them to protect yourself and your loved ones.
1. Cooking accidents
Under no circumstances leave children alone in front of a burning stove, or let the saucepan handles stick out of the stove. Keep towels, loose clothing, and paper or plastic bags (such as tea bags or condiments) away from the fire.
2. Poor electrical distribution
Most premises use extensions or adapters to cover a larger number of electronic equipment at the same time. To avoid overloads that lead to fires, disconnect unused electrical equipment and maintain moderate energy use.
3. Misuse of electrical equipment
Electric blankets, heaters, microwaves or electric ovens are the main household equipment that causes fires due to short circuits, malpractice or overuse. Take care of your household appliances!
4. Improper use of smokers and garden grills
Household smokers can lead to fires due to incorrect fuel dosage or mere combustion. If you are going to use one of them, read the instructions for use carefully and refrain from improvising.
5. Matches
Avoid leaving them close of children and bring fire closer to flammable objects such as curtains, leather furniture, gardens, gas cylinders, vehicles, among others.
6. Lit cigarette butts
If you smoke, don’t throw your cigarette butts on the floor or leave ashes behind. This can save you from possible indoor fires. In fact, lit cigarette butts thrown into gardens can set off dangerous outdoor fires – put them out and throw them in an ashtray or the nearest waste bin!
7. Candles
Believe it or not, every 48 seconds a fire is reported in the US due to lighted candles. Try to use them in places where they cannot reach flammable objects, but especially never leave them close of children.
8. Flammable chemicals
Many items that we commonly have at homes such as adhesives, oil paints, solvents or detergents are highly flammable if they are stored in rooms with high temperatures or minimal contact with fire (matches, gas explosions or short circuits, among other causes). Keep them in a cool place (preferably away from home) and in special, leak-proof containers.
9. Batteries
These small energy sources in remote controls, laptops, and tablets contain a chemical called lithium, which, at the slightest contact with fire, can create large explosions. The warning is obvious: never put them near the fire!
10. Aerosol cans
Canned products such as deodorants, perfumes or hairspray are highly flammable compressed gases. Take care that the cans are in good condition, without perforations, and keep them away from heat sources.
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