Top causes of residential fires in Tallahassee and how to prevent them

When you own a home, there are many risks to keep in mind. Fire is foremost among them, as it can occur anywhere and anytime. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated a stunning $8.9 billion in property damage across the United States because of residential fires in 2021. That same year, there were over 350,000 documented incidents. Fortunately, there are actions you can take to avoid them. Learn more about the causes and how to prevent house fires in Tallahassee.

What starts residential fires in Tallahassee?

Fires can begin anywhere and without warning, whether ignited by a burning cigarette in a trash can or a neglected stovetop. Here are the most common causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Incidents in the kitchen are the most common kinds of residential fires in Tallahassee and elsewhere. Ignored stovetops are the primary cause, so always watch that hot skillet when making dinner. It’s also worth nothing that drenching a grease fire with water will only make things worse.
• Heating: Area heaters are well established as a cause of residential fires. Running them for too long might cause internal parts to break down and ignite. Frayed cords and putting heaters near combustible items like bedding or window coverings can also lead to disastrous results. Other types of heating, such as HVAC systems and fireplaces, could cause fires and should be checked periodically.
• Electrical: Worn out wiring, malfunctioning outlets, and overburdened extension cords are some ways electrical problems cause fires. Don’t ever operate an appliance with a damaged cord, and make sure flammable objects like paper aren’t placed on a lampshade, get it investigated immediately.
• Candles: If there's a flame, there's a chance of fire. Residential fires due to candles are still all too common and typically result from careless behavior. Burning candles too close to combustible items like drapery or leaving them within range of a rambunctious pet will lead to disaster.
• Smoking: Even with the overall reduction in smoking across the nation, it’s still an unquestionable fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration announced that 7,800 residential fires were started by smoking in 2021. Nodding off while holding a cigarette or prematurely disposing of smoldering ashes can cause catastrophic results.

The primary way to prevent house fires in Tallahassee is to be attentive at all times. Always keep an eye on things when cooking, never leave a candle burning, and discard cigarettes properly. If you have to operate a space heater, do so in short intervals and use one that has an automatic shut-off switch in case it overturns.

Protect your family with a monitored fire alarm in Tallahassee

You ought to have smoke detectors on all floors and more by sleeping quarters. But you can take your protection to another level with a monitored fire alarm. These innovative safety features will not only discern smoke but can also trigger due to rising heat. Furthermore, 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 nice perk, particularly when you’re not home to hear the alarm and phone the fire department.

Safeguard your home against known threats with a Vivint smart home in Tallahassee

Elevate the protection of your property today with a Vivint smart home. You can personalize our systems with monitored fire alarms, water sensors, and carbon monoxide detectors. You’ll appreciate the instant alerts to your cell phone and the 24-hour support that you get with professional monitoring. Dial (850) 790-4997 to get started.