If you watch the news, then you may feel as if you hear a lot more about fires in the winter than you do during other seasons of the year. You’re not imagining things. A study previously published by the United States Fire Administration pointed out how there’s an uptick in structural fires during the winter. There are a few primary reasons that these blazes occur when it’s cold outside.
One of the most common reasons fires occur during the cold weather months is because people use various devices to try to stay warm. Electric blankets and space heaters are two items that if used improperly or placed too close to flammable objects can cause a fire. This is especially the case if they’re used for a prolonged amount of time.
Another common reason why there are more structural fires in the winter than any other season of the year is that the wood structures of homes dry out in the less humid, cold, arctic air. Electrical fires may ensue if the conditions are just right. This type of occurrence is most likely to happen to an older home than a newer one. If electrical wires become overloaded, they may spark, causing a catastrophic fire.
Many homeowners can minimize the risk of a house fire in the winter by having an electrician come out and inspect their homes each year. There’s equipment such as a thermal camera that electricians can use to check on breakers, wires and circuits to make sure that they’re all installed correctly and working properly. It can be helpful for homeowners to regularly test their smoke detectors and to have a working fire extinguisher on hand as well.
Countless individuals who live in shared housing such as dormitories, apartments and townhomes here in Augusta and other parts of Georgia are seriously injured or lose their lives in structural fires each year. An attorney can help you get the compensation that you’re sure to need to cover your surgical expenses and rehabilitative care if you’ve been hurt due to someone else’s negligence.