Common causes of residential fires in Huntsville and how to avoid them

When you own a home, there are a wide range of hazards to keep in mind. Fire is at the top of the list, 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 due to residential fires in 2021. Also during this year, there were over 350,000 recorded fires. Thankfully, there are things you can do to keep them from arising|. Take a look at the causes and how to prevent house fires in Huntsville.

What sparks residential fires in Huntsville?

Fires can start in any spot and without notice, whether ignited by a discarded cigarette in a waste container or an ignored stovetop. Here are the most common causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Incidents in the kitchen are the most common kinds of residential fires in Huntsville and elsewhere. Unattended stovetops are the chief cause, so always pay attention to that hot skillet when making a meal. It’s also important to note that soaking a grease fire with water will only make matters worse.
• Heating: Portable heaters are well established as a cause of residential fires. Using them for too long might result in internal components degrading and catching fire. Placing heaters next to flammable textiles like blankets and curtains or using frayed cords can also lead to disastrous results. Other heating devices, such as fireplaces and furnaces, could cause fires and ought to be checked regularly.
• Electrical: Old wiring, malfunctioning outlets, and overwhelmed extension cords are a few of the ways electrical problems cause fires. Whenever you detect sparking, flickering lights, or strange odors, get it investigated right away.
• Candles: Wherever there's a flame, there's the potential for fire. Residential fires due to candles are still commonplace and usually result from careless behavior. Placing candles too close to combustible materials like drapes or leaving them within the domain of a rambunctious pet will often result in disaster.
• Smoking: Even with the overall decrease in smoking across the country, it’s still an unquestionable fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration announced that 7,800 residential fires were a result of smoking in 2021. Falling asleep with a cigarette still burning or disposing of smoldering ashes too soon can bring about devastating results.

The most effective way to prevent house fires in Huntsville is to eliminate negligent behavior. Always pay attention when cooking, don’t ever leave a candle burning unattended, and properly discard cigarettes. If you have to run a space heater, do so sparingly and get one that has an automatic shut-off safety precaution in case it is knocked over.

Safeguard your home with a monitored fire alarm in Huntsville

You ought to have smoke detectors on all floors and consider using more by sleeping areas. But you can take your protection to a new level with a monitored fire alarm. These beneficial safety features will not only detect smoke but can also be triggered due to elevated heat levels. In addition, because they are part of your modern smart home, they’ll alert you and your monitoring specialists whenever a disaster takes place. This is a worthwhile perk, specifically when you’re not home to hear the alarm and phone the fire department yourself.

Defend against various risks with a Vivint smart home in Huntsville

Upgrade the safety of your residence today with a Vivint smart home. You can customize our systems with monitored fire alarms, water sensors, and carbon monoxide detectors. You’ll be thankful for the instant updates to your mobile device and the reassurance that comes with professional monitoring. Dial (256) 330-4373 to get started.