A house fire can turn your life upside down. In many cases, such an occurrence is preventable. While fire restoration can help you recover, the greatest peace of mind comes from knowing you’re protected. Learn below how they usually begin so that you can take preventative steps at home.

How House Fires Start

1. Electrical Malfunction

Electrical fires can arise in several ways. They may be due to fraying or poorly installed wiring, damaged appliances, or overloaded outlets and power strips. Never use extension cords as a permanent solution. Schedule an electrical inspection each year or when you move into a home, and use lightbulbs with the recommended wattage so that you won’t require fire restoration services.

2. Cooking

According to the National Fire Protection Association, cooking is the leading cause of house fires. Whether boiling or sauteing in the kitchen or barbecuing in the back yard, it only takes one spark to ignite your home. Never leave open flames or burners unattended, and always check that cooking appliances aren’t damaged. Keep fabrics and flammable items away from the stove, and have a fire extinguisher in reach to handle grease fires and other issues.

3. Heating

When winter arrives, the rate of heating-related fires skyrockets. Always keep a 3-foot radius of clear area around space heaters, furnaces, and open fires. Never use your oven to heat your home, and turn heaters off when you’re not present. Schedule a chimney cleaning each year, and have your furnace installed and maintenance by a professional.

If you need fire restoration services in Onalaska, WI, contact Lappins. This family-owned and -operated cleaning and disaster recovery company offers a variety of services to get families back into their homes. They’ve handled fire restoration, carpet cleaning, water damage restoration, and more for over 64 years. Call (608) 784-1500 to speak with a representative, and visit their website to learn more.