The summer is approaching fast, and with it comes all of the enjoyment that accompanies warmer weather and longer days. However, it also comes with an increased risk of house fires, which often occur due to preventable issues. Here are seven fire hazards you should make sure to protect your home against this summer:
- Unattended cooking fires
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- Whenever cooking in or around your home, you should always make sure any fires are always attended. You should also make sure to keep a fire extinguisher nearby to deal with any potential fire hazards, so you can quickly put it out.
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- Lack of care with flammable items
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- Flammable materials should always be kept a safe distance away from anything that might cause them to ignite, including fires, electrical heating elements, or anything that produces significant heat or sparking. This type of fire hazard includes materials like cloth, wood, or paper, as well as liquids like cooking oil.
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- Faulty electronics
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- Any electronics should be checked for potential damage or faults before it is used. If you see exposed wiring or damage to electrical equipment, avoid using it to prevent the risk of a fire.
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- Overloaded electrical outlets
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- Another common type of fire hazards to be careful of are overloaded electrical outlets. This tends to happen when people use extension cords, surge protectors, or other devices to plug more electronics into an outlet than it is meant to handle, which can cause it to short circuit and catch fire.
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- Improperly extinguished cigarettes
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- Aside from the ordinary health issues caused by cigarette smoking, you also need to watch for the potential risk of fire hazards. Any cigarette that is not properly extinguished in an ashtray can potentially ignite any flammable materials they come into contact with.
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- Unbalanced candles or incense
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- Candles and incense are commonly used for decoration and to make your home smell better, but they are also potentially risky. If they are not balanced on a stable surface, or are placed in reach of children or pets, they can tip over and start a fire.
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- Improper use of fireworks
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- Fireworks are dangerous at the best of times, but can be especially dangerous when used around the home. Only use fireworks where permitted, and take care to handle them as intended, or else you may risk setting your home ablaze.
Anytime your home or other dwelling has been ruined or severely damaged, it is essential that you protect your property and the interest of your investment by enlisting the services of a Rubin and Rosen public adjuster. We can provide the assistance you need by helping you to work through the entire insurance process. If you want to make a property insurance claim and need assistance to obtain fair compensation for your losses, please give us a call at 718-376-6800 or visit our contact page.