House fires can be extremely dangerous. They can not only cause extensive property damage, they can also cause life-threatening injuries. Unfortunately, most of the causes of house fires occur over and over again.
While many house fires are obviously started within the home, they can also happen on another’s property, which could lead to personal injury, and could result in a premises liability case. Read here to learn more about what is considered premises liability.
Being aware of these dangers can help you prevent house fires and keep you and your family safe.
Some of the most common causes of house fires include…
1. Candles
Between 2007 and 2011, the National Fire Prevention Association reported an average of 10,630 fires per year that were caused by candles. That means that there are roughly 29 candle fires that occur every day.
These fires caused 115 deaths, 903 injuries, and a staggering $418 million in property damage.
Most of these fires are in bedrooms, and they start because the candles are much too close to flammable items. Be sure to keep all candles at least 12 inches away from anything that could start a fire, including curtains, sheets, decorations, and papers. Candles should never burn in a child’s room or in rooms that are not occupied.
Visit the National Fire Prevention Association site to read more about damaging fumes and oxygen levels.
2. Smoking
From 2008 to 2011, the number of smoking-related fires has actually dropped 73 percent. However, smoking still causes an average of 17,600 fires per year.
Those fires result in roughly 490 deaths and more than $516 million in property damage. Interestingly, nearly half of those killed in smoking house fires were 65 years old and older.
You should seriously consider smoking only outside, if possible. Always use a large, sturdy ash tray. Be sure that every cigarette butt ends up in the ash tray so that it does not cause fires in hard to reach places like between seat cushions or under furniture. Avoid smoking in bed or when you are tired.
3. Electrical and Lighting
Electrical fires are perhaps the trickiest of fire causes because they can be caused by a variety of ways. For example, equipment malfunction, circuit overloads, or overheating can cause electrical fires.
You may not realize that these fires have started for some time because they occur under or behind appliances or in walls. In 2011, 47,700 structural fires were caused by an electrical problem. This caused 418 deaths, 1,570 injuries, and $1.4 billion in property damage.
Be sure to avoid overloading electrical cords or outlets. You should have the right electrical equipment for the job. For example, do not use indoor electrical cords outdoors. Having a checkup done on your electrical wiring every ten years is also a good idea.
It’s house fire season! Visit here to read more about how to help keep your home safe.
Suffering Through a House Fire Burns – Put Out the Fire with a West Palm Beach Personal Injury Attorney
If you have suffered through a house fire, then you may have a personal injury claim. This claim could cover some of your medical expenses and property damage. Call an experienced West Palm Beach personal injury attorney in Florida as soon as possible to discuss your legal options.
Sternberg | Forsythe, P.A.Visit to find out more about your own situation to determine if you have a viable premises liability case.