Leading causes of residential fires in Elizabethtown and how to avoid them

There are a plethora of dangers you must think about as a homeowner. Fire is at the top of the list, as it can occur in various places and at any moment. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated a stunning $8.9 billion in property damage across the United States as a result of residential fires in 2021. Also during this year, there were over 350,000 recorded occurrences. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to keep them from happening|. Learn more about the causes and how to prevent house fires in Elizabethtown.

What starts residential fires in Elizabethtown?

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 types of residential fires in Elizabethtown and all other areas. Ignored stovetops are the chief origin, so always keep an eye on that hot skillet when cooking. It’s also essential to note that putting water on a grease fire will only make things worse.
• Heating: Space heaters are well established as a cause of residential fires. Running them for lengthy amounts of time may result in internal elements breaking down and igniting. Placing heaters next to combustible materials like bedding and drapery or using frayed cords can also lead to disastrous results. Other types of heating, such as fireplaces and furnaces, may cause fires and need to be inspected frequently.
• Electrical: Outdated wiring, malfunctioning outlets, and overburdened extension cords are a few of the ways electrical complications cause fires. Whenever you detect sparking, flickering lights, or strange odors, get it investigated immediately.
• Candles: If there's a flame, there's a chance of fire. Residential fires from candles are still all too common and usually result from carelessness. Placing candles too close to combustible items like curtains or leaving them within the domain of an inquisitive pet will lead to disaster.
• Smoking: Despite the overall reduction in smoking nationwide, it’s still an undeniable fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated that 7,800 residential fires were started by smoking in 2021. Dozing off with a cigarette still burning or prematurely discarding smoldering ashes can give rise to destructive results.

The best way to prevent house fires in Elizabethtown is to avoid negligent behavior. Always watch closely when cooking, never leave a candle burning, and dispose of cigarettes properly. If you have to operate a space heater, do so infrequently and get one that has an automatic shut-off feature in the event it overturns.

Safeguard your home with a monitored fire alarm in Elizabethtown

You should have smoke detectors on each floor and more by sleeping areas. But you can take your home’s safety to a new level with a monitored fire alarm. These innovative safety devices will not only recognize smoke but can also be triggered due to extreme heat. Furthermore, since they are part of your modern smart home, they’ll notify you and your monitoring specialists whenever a crisis strikes. This is a nice benefit, especially when you’re not home to hear the alarm and call the fire department yourself.

Defend against known threats with a Vivint smart home in Elizabethtown

Upgrade the safety of your residence today with a Vivint smart home. You may customize our systems with monitored fire alarms, water sensors, and carbon monoxide detectors. You’ll be thankful for the instant alerts to your smartphone and the reassurance that you enjoy with professional monitoring. Contact (270) 550-1814 to get started.