Common causes of residential fires in Decatur and how to prevent them

There are numerous hazards you must keep in mind as a homeowner. Fire is foremost among them, as it can happen in various places and at any time. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated a stunning $8.9 billion in property damage across the United States as a result of residential fires in 2021. In the same year, there were in excess of 350,000 reported occurrences. Fortunately, there are things you can do to keep them from arising|. Investigate the causes and how to prevent house fires in Decatur.

What causes residential fires in Decatur?

Fires can sprout up in any spot and without notice, whether ignited by a discarded cigarette in a garbage can or a neglected stovetop. Here are the top causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Kitchen flare-ups are the most widespread types of residential fires in Decatur and all other areas. Ignored stovetops are the primary cause, so always watch that scorching skillet when making a meal. It’s also essential to note that putting water on a grease fire will only make matters worse.
• Heating: Space heaters are well established as a cause of residential fires. Using them for long time periods may cause internal pieces to break down and catch fire. Situating heaters next to combustible materials like blankets and drapery or using frayed cords will also lead to disaster. Other types of heating, such as furnaces and fireplaces, may cause fires and ought to be examined periodically.
• Electrical: Old wiring, faulty outlets, and overburdened extension cords are a few of the ways electrical problems cause fires. If you notice flickering lights, sparking from an outlet, or odd odors, get it inspected immediately.
• Candles: When there's a flame, there's the possibility of fire. Residential fires caused by candles are still all too common and typically result from carelessness. Burning candles in close proximity to flammable materials like drapes or keeping them within the reach of a curious pet will often produce disastrous results.
• Smoking: Despite the overall decrease in smoking nationwide, it’s still an unquestionable fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration announced that 7,800 residential fires were caused by smoking in 2021. Falling asleep while holding a cigarette or discarding smoldering ashes prematurely can bring about catastrophic results.

The most effective way to prevent house fires in Decatur is to be attentive at all times. Always pay attention when cooking, don’t ever leave a candle burning unattended, and properly get rid of cigarettes. If you must use a space heater, do so infrequently and get one that has an automatic shut-off safety precaution in the event it tips over.

Get help quickly with a monitored fire alarm in Decatur

You should have smoke detectors on every floor and think about installing more by sleeping quarters. But you can take your safety a step further with a monitored fire alarm. These modern safety components will not only recognize smoke but can also trigger due to elevated heat levels. Furthermore, because they are part of your modern smart home, they’ll warn you and your monitoring specialists whenever an emergency occurs. This is a worthwhile benefit, specifically when you’re not there to hear the alarm and call the fire department yourself.

Defend against various risks with a Vivint smart home in Decatur

Upgrade the safety of your household today with a Vivint smart home. You may personalize our systems with monitored fire alarms, CO detectors, and flood sensors. You’ll be appreciative of the instant alerts to your smartphone and the 24-hour support that you enjoy with professional monitoring. Place a call to (256) 305-1902 to talk with a Vivint representative.