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

When you own a home, there are many hazards to consider. Fire is at the top of the list, as it can occur in various places and at any time. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated 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 more than 350,000 noted occurrences. 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 Athens.

What starts residential fires in Athens?

Fires can start in any location and without notice, whether ignited by a burning 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 Athens and elsewhere. Ignored stovetops are the chief source, so always keep an eye on that smoking skillet when cooking. It’s also worth nothing that drenching a grease fire with water will only make things worse.
• Heating: Space heaters are well established as a cause of residential fires. Using them for long time periods may result in internal parts breaking down and sparking. Placing heaters next to flammable textiles like bed sheets and drapery or using frayed cords will also lead to devastating results. Other heating elements, such as furnaces and fireplaces, may cause fires and need to be inspected frequently.
• Electrical: Worn out wiring, faulty outlets, and overwhelmed extension cords are several of the ways electrical problems lead to fires. Don’t operate an appliance with a tattered cord, and ensure combustible objects like paper aren’t layed on top of a lampshade, get it inspected immediately.
• Candles: Wherever there's a flame, there's the possibility of fire. Residential fires caused by candles are still all too common and usually result from people being careless. Placing candles in close proximity to flammable materials like drapery or leaving them within the reach of a curious pet will lead to disaster.
• Smoking: In spite of the overall decrease 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 with a cigarette in hand or prematurely discarding smoldering ashes can cause devastating results.

The most effective way to prevent house fires in Athens is to avoid careless behavior. Always watch closely when cooking, don’t leave a candle unattended, and properly dispose of cigarettes. If you have to use a space heater, do so infrequently and get one that includes an automatic shut-off feature in the event it tips over.

Protect your family with a monitored fire alarm in Athens

You should have smoke detectors on every floor and more near sleeping quarters. But you can take your safety a step further with a monitored fire alarm. These beneficial safety components will not only detect smoke but can also be triggered due to rising heat. Furthermore, considering they are part of your modern smart home, they’ll notify you and your monitoring professionals whenever an emergency strikes. This is a nice benefit, particularly when you’re not home to hear the alarm and call the fire department.

Safeguard your home against various dangers with a Vivint smart home in Athens

Enhance the protection of your residence today with a Vivint smart home. You can customize our systems with monitored fire alarms, CO detectors, and flood sensors. You’ll be appreciative of the instant updates to your smartphone and the reassurance that you get with professional monitoring. Place a call to (706) 800-8603 to speak with a skilled Vivint professional.