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

September 25, 2023
Man surprised by smoke pouring out of oven

There are numerous perils you need to keep in mind as a property owner. Fire is chief among them, as it can arise anywhere and at any time. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated an incredible $8.9 billion in property damage in the United States as a result of residential fires in 2021. That same year, there were over 350,000 documented fires. Luckily, there are steps you can take to prevent them. Take a look at the causes and how to prevent house fires in Montgomery.

What starts residential fires in Montgomery?

Fires can start anywhere and without warning, whether caused by a discarded cigarette in a trash can or an ignored stovetop. Here are the most common causes of residential fires.

  • Cooking: Kitchen flare-ups are the most widespread types of residential fires in Montgomery and all other areas. Neglected stovetops are the primary cause, so always watch that scorching skillet when cooking. It’s also essential to note that dumping water on a grease fire will only make things worse.
  • Heating: Portable heaters are well known for causing residential fires. Using them for too long can result in inner components breaking down and igniting. Frayed cords and placing heaters near flammable objects like bedding or drapes may also lead to disastrous results. Other types of heating, such as furnaces and fireplaces, may cause fires and ought to be examined regularly.
  • Electrical: Old wiring, faulty outlets, and overburdened extension cords are a few of the ways electrical complications cause fires. Don’t run an appliance with a damaged cord, and make sure ignitable substances like paper aren’t layed on top of a lampshade, get it inspected promptly.
  • Candles: When there's a flame, there's the potential for fire. Residential fires caused by candles are still frequently reported and typically result from people being careless. Placing candles too close to flammable items like drapery or having them within range of an inquisitive pet will often produce disastrous results.
  • Smoking: In spite of 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. Falling asleep while holding a cigarette or throwing out smoldering ashes prematurely can bring about devastating results.

The most effective way to prevent house fires in Montgomery is to avoid careless behavior. Always keep an eye on things when cooking, don’t ever leave a candle burning, and get rid of cigarettes properly. If you need to run a space heater, do so infrequently and get one that has an automatic shut-off switch in the event it overturns.

Get help quickly with a monitored fire alarm in Montgomery

You ought to have smoke detectors on all floors and think about installing more near bedrooms. But you can take your protection to a new level with a monitored fire alarm. These innovative safety features will not only detect smoke but can also be triggered due to extreme heat. In addition, considering they incorporate into your modern smart home, they’ll warn you and your monitoring representatives whenever a disaster occurs. This is a nice feature, particularly when you’re not there to hear the alarm and contact the fire department.

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

Enhance the safety of your household 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 notifications to your mobile device and the reassurance that you get with professional monitoring. Contact (334) 378-2456 to talk with a Vivint representative.