Top 10 causes of House Fires & How to prevent them!

The main causes of house fires are pretty clear, but a lot of homeowners don’t know about them and the easy ways to avoid them. Here’s what you need to know about these top 10 causes of fires and how to prevent them…

Accidents happen to all of us, and fires can happen no matter how hard you try to prevent them. Make sure you memorise your local fire stations number as well as post it on the fridge so everyone can see. Download the PatrolMan app, so should you ever be in an emergency situation, you can press the SOS button and help will be summoned to your location immediately.

1. Cooking

Overheating pots and pans as well as grease splatters can cause a fire in seconds. Keep your eye on your cooking equipment when you’re busy in the kitchen and don’t get distracted. Make sure to keep anything that can catch a light, such as paper towels and oven gloves away from heat sources.

2. Heating Equipment

Inspect your fireplace at least once a year by a professional. Keep any portable heaters away from curtains and furniture that can burst into flames and remember to never ever use a heater to dry your clothing!

3. Careless Smoking

Your bedroom should be off limits when it comes to smoking, in fact smoking should be done outdoors whenever possible. If you ever feel drowsy or take medication, make sure to put out your cigarette in a deep ashtray that is placed away from anything that can burn.

4. Electrical Equipment

Always make sure that there are no loose or frayed cords/plugs, your outlets are NEVER overloaded and you’re not running any wires under your rugs or heavy furniture. When it comes to installations, no matter how easy it may seem – call a license electrician.

5. Candles

They create a nice ambiance and are great when the electricity goes out, but candles should always be held in a sturdy holder on a surface that is level and away from anything combustible. ALWAYS blow them out when you leave the room or area.

6. Playing with fire

Children can cause fires easily out of curiosity or just plain mischief. So make sure to keep any matches or lighters locked away and out of reach of children.

7. Inadequate Wiring

Homes that are a bit on the old side often have inadequate wiring that can cause fires. Keep a look out for these warning signs – having to disconnect something to plug other appliances in, you have to use multiple extension cords, fuses often blow and the electricity trips often.

8. Flammable Liquids

If flammable liquid, such as fuel, cleaning agents, solvents, thinners, paints, etc. isn’t stored the correct way they may ignite or explode! Never store flammable liquids near heating sources, rather keep them outside in a cool, ventilated area.

9. Festive Decorations

When it’s Christmas time or you’re decorating for a party, make sure to keep lights and decorations away from heating sources, like heaters, TVs and fireplaces. Check your decorative lights before you set them up for any frayed wires or damaged lights.

10. Braais / Barbecues

Cleaning your braai or your barbecue should be a regular occurrence. Clean any removable parts with soapy water and check for any leaks if you’re using a gas braai. Keep braais or barbecues away from your home, table clothes and branches from trees.