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

When you own a home, there are a wide range of hazards to keep in mind. Fire is foremost among them, as it can happen in any place and at any moment. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated an incredible $8.9 billion in property damage across the United States because of residential fires in 2021. In the same year, there were over 350,000 documented fires. Luckily, there are things you can do to keep them from arising|. Learn more about the causes and how to prevent house fires in Florence.

What causes residential fires in Florence?

Fires can begin in any location and without warning, whether caused by a burning cigarette in a waste container or a neglected stovetop. Here are the top causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Incidents in the kitchen are the most widespread kinds of residential fires in Florence and everywhere else. Unattended stovetops are the primary culprit, so always watch that hot skillet when making a meal. It’s also important to note that dumping water on a grease fire will only make matters worse.
• Heating: Portable heaters are well established as a cause of residential fires. Running them for too long might cause internal parts to degrade and spark. Situating heaters near flammable fabrics like blankets and drapery or using worn cords may also lead to disastrous results. Other heating devices, such as fireplaces and furnaces, could cause fires and should be inspected regularly.
• Electrical: Outdated wiring, defective outlets, and overwhelmed extension cords are some ways electrical problems result in fires. Don’t use an appliance with a damaged cord, and ensure combustible materials like paper aren’t put on top of a lampshade, get it inspected right away.
• Candles: Whenever there's a flame, there's the potential for fire. Residential fires due to candles are still all too common and often result from careless behavior. Putting them within reach of pets or next to combustible objects will often produce disastrous results.
• Smoking: Even with the overall decrease in smoking across the nation, it’s still an undeniable fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated that 7,800 residential fires were started by smoking in 2021. Dozing off with a cigarette still burning or prematurely throwing out smoldering ashes can bring about catastrophic results.

The best way to prevent house fires in Florence is to be careful at all times. Always pay attention when cooking, never leave a candle unattended, and discard cigarettes properly. If you have to run a space heater, do so sparingly and use one that has an automatic shut-off feature in case it overturns.

Protect your family with a monitored fire alarm in Florence

You should have smoke detectors on each floor and more near sleeping quarters. But you can take your home’s safety to another level with a monitored fire alarm. These modern safety features will not only detect smoke but can also be triggered due to rising heat. Additionally, considering they incorporate into your modern smart home, they’ll notify you and your monitoring specialists whenever an emergency occurs. This is a nice benefit, especially when you’re not around to hear the alarm and call the fire department yourself.

Safeguard your home against common threats with a Vivint smart home in Florence

Upgrade the protection of your property today with a Vivint smart home. You can customize our systems with monitored fire alarms, water sensors, and carbon monoxide detectors. You’ll appreciate the instant updates to your mobile device and the reassurance that comes with professional monitoring. Dial (843) 438-7320 to get started.