Electronics Fires Are a Risk for Most Homes

1/10/2022 (Permalink)

Fires caused by electronics are on the rise in household across the country. More and more homes are investing in various types of electronics, all in need of charging at one point or another, and often left unattended while they’re charging. While there are basic safety habits that we should follow for these devices, most of us disregard these habits and put our homes at risk. When a house fire caused by electronics occurs, and the recovery process can be tough.

Preventing a house fire from electronics

Computer, tablet, and cell phone chargers need space for air circulation, as they put off a substantial amount of heat during charging cycles which must be dispersed with the right amount of ventilation. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for people to put these chargers by their beds, surrounded by flammable items which can cause significant heat. Devices that are covered up and not able to “breathe” can build up the heat and ignite a fire; often when no one is home to quickly extinguish the flames or asleep and unaware a fire has started. The lithium-ion batteries in these devices have containers that are pressurized and can rupture if the temperature goes up too fast or melt if they are heated for a long time. Many people think electronics fires are caused by faulty chargers, but these fires can happen when devices are on a charger or not. Following basic safety rules can protect your home from a house fire. Fire damage in your home from your electronic devices is almost entirely avoidable with a little diligence in following safety rules. Not charging your phone in or by your bed, and making sure all devices are on a hard, flat surface while charging helps avoid these disasters. Also keeping any charging electronic uncovered to allow for proper air circulation helps with overheating and potential fire damage.

If you experience an electronics fire

If you experience fire from an overheated cell phone, tablet, or other devices, there’s additional clean-up to face once the flames are extinguished. It’s best to leave the cleanup to the professionals at SERVPRO of Piatt/DeWitt Counties. SERVPRO has the training to know how to clean up your home after a fire of any kind and understand the special challenges of fires caused by electronics.

When electronics burn, they emit particles like those from burning plastics which become electrically charged are known as ionization. The particles can adhere to surfaces and can be a challenge to clean. At SERVPRO, we understand that because of this; clean up after an electronics fire takes special care to not only get rid of the smoke particles, but to eliminate the acrid smell that accompanies burned plastics. Our highly trained technicians use advanced technology to clean your home, remove the damaged electronics, and address any odor issues to restore your home to pre-fire conditions. When a SERVPRO technician arrives on the scene, they’ll do a comprehensive job evaluating the situation, providing you with a clear plan ahead of time so you know exactly what to expect.

Contact us when you need help

You can rest assured that your home can be cleaned and restored by our staff thoroughly when you reach out to us at (217) 935-2992. We’re available 24/7 to help you recover from a fire caused by electronics.