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

There are numerous hazards you need to consider as a homeowner. Fire is at the top of the list, as it can happen in any place and anytime. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated an incredible $8.9 billion in property damage across the United States as a result of residential fires in 2021. Also during this year, there were in excess of 350,000 reported incidents. Thankfully, there are actions you can take to keep them from arising|. Investigate the causes and how to prevent house fires in Charlottesville.

What sparks residential fires in Charlottesville?

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

• Cooking: Flare-ups in the kitchen are the most common sorts of residential fires in Charlottesville and all other areas. Neglected stovetops are the chief cause, so always watch that hot skillet when making a meal. It’s also important to note that drenching a grease fire with water will only make things worse.
• Heating: Area heaters are well established as a cause of residential fires. Using them for too long can result in inner elements wearing down and sparking. Damaged cords and putting heaters by combustible objects like blankets or window coverings may also lead to disastrous results. Other types of heating, such as fireplaces and furnaces, may cause fires and ought to be examined frequently.
• Electrical: Old wiring, defective outlets, and overburdened extension cords are a few of the ways electrical issues result in fires. Don’t ever use an appliance with a damaged cord, and ensure combustible objects like paper aren’t placed on a lampshade, get it inspected immediately.
• Candles: Whenever there's a flame, there's the potential for fire. Residential fires caused by candles are still all too common and typically result from carelessness. Placing them within reach of pets or near flammable items will often result in disaster.
• Smoking: Even with the overall decline in smoking across the nation, it’s still an undeniable fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration announced that 7,800 residential fires were a result of smoking in 2021. Dozing off with a cigarette in hand or discarding smoldering ashes too soon can bring about destructive results.

The best way to prevent house fires in Charlottesville is to be diligent at all times. Always pay attention when cooking, never leave a candle burning, and discard cigarettes properly. If you must use a space heater, do so in short intervals and invest in one that includes an automatic shut-off feature in the event it is knocked over.

Get help quickly with a monitored fire alarm in Charlottesville

You ought to have smoke detectors on every floor and think about installing more near bedrooms. But you can take your safety to another level with a monitored fire alarm. These beneficial safety devices will not only discern smoke but can also trigger due to elevated heat levels. Furthermore, since they integrate into your modern smart home, they’ll notify you and your monitoring specialists whenever a crisis occurs. This is a nice benefit, especially when you’re not there to hear the alarm and call the fire department.

Protect against various threats with a Vivint smart home in Charlottesville

Elevate the safety of your residence today with a Vivint smart home. You can personalize our systems with monitored fire alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and water sensors. You’ll be thankful for the instant notifications to your smartphone and the peace of mind that comes with professional monitoring. Contact (434) 404-5302 to get started.