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

There are a plethora of risks you have to keep in mind as a homeowner. Fire is chief among them, as it can happen in various places and at any time. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated an astounding $8.9 billion in property damage in the United States as a result of residential fires in 2021. Also during this year, there were in excess of 350,000 reported incidents. Fortunately, there are things you can do to keep them from taking place|. Learn more about the causes and how to prevent house fires in Columbia.

What causes residential fires in Columbia?

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

• Cooking: Incidents in the kitchen are the most common kinds of residential fires in Columbia and everywhere else. Unattended stovetops are the primary source, so always keep an eye on that smoking skillet when making dinner. It’s also essential to note that dousing a grease fire with water will only make things worse.
• Heating: Area heaters are well established as a cause of residential fires. Operating them for long periods may cause inner parts to break down and ignite. Putting heaters near flammable objects like blankets and drapes or using damaged cords may also lead to disaster. Other types of heating, such as HVAC systems and fireplaces, may cause fires and ought to be examined periodically.
• Electrical: Outdated wiring, faulty outlets, and overburdened extension cords are some ways electrical complications lead to fires. If you discern burning smells, sparking, or flickering lights, get it investigated immediately.
• Candles: When there's a flame, there's the possibility of fire. Residential fires caused by candles are still commonplace and usually result from carelessness. Using candles in close proximity to flammable objects like curtains or having them within the reach of a rambunctious pet will lead to disaster.
• Smoking: Even with the overall decrease in smoking across the country, it’s still a primary fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated that 7,800 residential fires were caused by smoking in 2021. Falling asleep while holding a cigarette or prematurely disposing of smoldering ashes can bring about destructive results.

The primary way to prevent house fires in Columbia is to be attentive at all times. Always watch closely when cooking, don’t leave a candle burning, and properly dispose of cigarettes. If you must use a space heater, do so sparingly and get one that includes an automatic shut-off switch in case it is knocked over.

Get help quickly with a monitored fire alarm in Columbia

You need to have smoke detectors on each floor and consider using more near sleeping areas. But you can take your home’s safety to a new level with a monitored fire alarm. These modern safety devices will not only discern smoke but can also trigger due to extreme heat. Furthermore, considering they are part of your modern smart home, they’ll alert you and your monitoring professionals whenever a crisis occurs. This is a nice benefit, specifically when you’re not there to hear the alarm and call the fire department.

Defend against various threats with a Vivint smart home in Columbia

Upgrade the protection of your property today with a Vivint smart home. You may personalize 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 comes with professional monitoring. Place a call to (573) 641-8250 to get started.