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Top causes of residential fires in South Fulton and how to prevent them

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

There are many dangers you must keep in mind as a homeowner. Fire is foremost among them, as it can happen in various places and at any time. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated an astounding $8.9 billion in property damage across the United States due to residential fires in 2021. Also during this year, there were in excess of 350,000 reported fires. Luckily, there are steps you can take to prevent them. Take a look at the causes and how to prevent house fires in South Fulton.

What causes residential fires in South Fulton?

Fires can sprout up anywhere and without warning, whether caused by a burning cigarette in a trash can or an unattended stovetop. Here are the top causes of residential fires.

  • Cooking: Incidents in the kitchen are the most widespread sorts of residential fires in South Fulton and all other areas. Unattended stovetops are the chief source, so always watch 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 known for causing residential fires. Using them for extended periods might result in inner elements degrading and catching fire. Situating heaters near combustible objects like bed sheets and drapery or using worn cords can also lead to disastrous results. Other types of heating, such as fireplaces and furnaces, could cause fires and need to be examined frequently.
  • Electrical: Worn out wiring, malfunctioning outlets, and overwhelmed extension cords are several of the ways electrical issues lead to fires. Never operate an appliance with a tattered cord, and ensure combustible substances like paper aren’t layed on top of a lampshade, get it investigated immediately.
  • Candles: Wherever there's a flame, there's a chance of fire. Residential fires caused by candles are still all too common and usually result from careless behavior. Placing them within an area reachable by pets or near ignitable materials will lead to disaster.
  • Smoking: Despite the overall decline in smoking across the country, it’s still a primary 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 primary way to prevent house fires in South Fulton is to be attentive at all times. Always pay attention when cooking, don’t ever leave a candle burning, and get rid of cigarettes properly. If you must operate a space heater, do so sparingly and invest in one that has an automatic shut-off feature in case it overturns.

Safeguard your home with a monitored fire alarm in South Fulton

You need to have smoke detectors on each floor and consider using more by sleeping areas. But you can take your safety to another level with a monitored fire alarm. These beneficial safety components will not only discern smoke but can also be triggered due to rising heat. In addition, because they are part of your modern smart home, they’ll warn you and your monitoring representatives whenever a crisis strikes. This is a worthwhile feature, especially when you’re not around to hear the alarm and contact the fire department.

Protect against common risks with a Vivint smart home in South Fulton

Upgrade the protection of your residence today with a Vivint smart home. You may customize our systems with monitored fire alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and water sensors. You’ll be appreciative of the instant alerts to your cell phone and the reassurance that you enjoy with professional monitoring. Dial (731) 327-6123 to talk with a Vivint representative.