It is no secret how the recent bushfires in Australia killed and displaced people and animals. Though the bushfires did not directly hit Sydney, the smoke caused the residents to suffer. One thing is clear from this disaster — fire is deadly.
In a report released by the Parliament of Australia, it was revealed that from 2013 to 2014 alone, there were more than 100,000 fire-related incidents in the country. 19% of these incidents are from structure fires. These alarming statistics intensified the need for safer electrical structures and the corresponding need for an emergency electrician Sydney.
What can cause a fire?
With what happened to Australia, you can already say that global warming played a huge role in starting the bushfire. However, several factors can set the bushfire in motion. These factors include fuel load, fuel moisture, wind speed, ambient temperature, relative humidity, slope angle, and an ignition source. Though these bushfires are deadly, most of the time, preventing them is beyond an individual homeowner’s capabilities and power.
If you are a homeowner, the causes of fire you can prevent easily are those that are within your own home. Here are some common causes of fires at home and how you can avoid them.
Open flames and cooking fire
Sometimes, when you get so preoccupied with other things like your phone, television, or other distractions, you forget that you left something cooking on the stove. Sometimes, you also forget to pull out the rice cooker’s plug. These may be simple things that most people are guilty of, but mind you, these are common causes of house fires. To prevent this from happening, you must exercise due diligence by making sure that you turn off the stove after cooking. Check and recheck if cooking tools and equipment were unplugged after use. With simple vigilance, you can save your home and your family’s lives.
Faulty electrical wiring
Most of the house wirings are either in between the walls, above the ceiling, or in less-visible areas of the house. Because of this, it becomes difficult to notice if some wires need replacing or if there are loose connections. Since this is not something you can always check, it is wise to commission the services of an emergency electrician in Sydney to have your lines regularly checked. You can also ask recommendations from your electrician if you need to overhaul the electrical wirings in your house or replace your circuit breaker. This is a simple precautionary measure that can likewise save your home and your family’s lives.
Overcharged cell phones and other electronic gadgets
People’s overdependence on their Smartphones and electric gadgets bring more harm than good. Aside from straining their eyes, damaging their relationships, and complicating their lives, overdependence on these smart tools can spark a house fire. Most people sleep with their cell phones charging next to them. Since they are sleeping, they cannot check if the phone is already fully charged. Some phones can quickly overheat and explode if overcharged. The batteries will quickly heat up, causing it to explode. If further left unattended, such an explosion can lead to a fire.
To avoid this situation, again, vigilance and due diligence are necessary. Never leave your gadgets unattended for a long time when you are charging them. Always check if the charger, cord, or battery is heating up while charging to avoid explosions. By these simple acts, you can save your home, device, and life.
Conclusion
The bushfire may be hard to control, but the fire that can occur in your homes is something you can always prevent. It pays to check and recheck before leaving the house. Also, do not forget to have a licensed electrician check the fire safety of your home. After all, it is better to be safe than sorry.
