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

When you own a home, there are a wide range of risks to keep in mind. Fire is at the top of the list, as it can occur in any place and at any moment. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated an incredible $8.9 billion in property damage throughout the United States because of residential fires in 2021. That same year, there were over 350,000 recorded fires. Thankfully, there are actions you can take to avoid them. Investigate the causes and how to prevent house fires in Huntington.

What causes residential fires in Huntington?

Fires can begin anywhere and without notice, whether caused by a smoldering cigarette in a waste container or an unattended stovetop. Here are the most common causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Flare-ups in the kitchen are the most widespread sorts of residential fires in Huntington and all other areas. Unattended stovetops are the main cause, so always keep an eye on that smoking skillet when making dinner. It’s also important to note that throwing water on a grease fire will only make matters worse.
• Heating: Area heaters are a well-known cause of residential fires. Running them for too long can result in inner parts degrading and catching fire. Situating heaters by flammable fabrics like blankets and curtains or using damaged cords will also lead to disastrous results. Other types of heating, such as fireplaces and furnaces, could cause fires and should be checked frequently.
• Electrical: Worn out wiring, malfunctioning outlets, and overburdened extension cords are a few of the ways electrical problems result in fires. If you notice burning smells, sparking, or flickering lights, get it investigated immediately.
• Candles: Whenever there's a flame, there's the possibility of fire. Residential fires from candles are still all too common and typically result from carelessness. Putting them within reach of pets or near flammable objects will lead to disaster.
• Smoking: Despite the overall decline in smoking across the nation, it’s still an unquestionable fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration announced that 7,800 residential fires were a result of smoking in 2021. Dozing off while holding a cigarette or disposing of smoldering ashes carelessly can give rise to destructive results.

The primary way to prevent house fires in Huntington is to avoid careless behavior. Always watch closely when cooking, don’t leave a candle burning unattended, and properly discard cigarettes. If you must use a space heater, do so infrequently and invest in one that has an automatic shut-off feature in case it is knocked over.

Protect your family with a monitored fire alarm in Huntington

You ought to have smoke detectors on every floor and consider using more by sleeping quarters. But you can take your home’s safety to another level with a monitored fire alarm. These modern safety devices will not only detect smoke but can also be triggered due to rising heat. In addition, since they incorporate into your modern smart home, they’ll notify you and your monitoring representatives whenever a crisis strikes. This is a worthwhile benefit, especially when you’re not around to hear the alarm and contact the fire department.

Defend against common risks with a Vivint smart home in Huntington

Elevate the safety of your residence today with a Vivint smart home. You may custom design 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 reassurance that you get with professional monitoring. Dial (304) 902-8188 to talk with a Vivint representative.