Leading causes of residential fires in Columbus and how to prevent them

When you own a home, there are numerous risks to think about. Fire is foremost among them, as it can happen in various places and anytime. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated a stunning $8.9 billion in property damage across the United States as a result of residential fires in 2021. Also during this year, there were more than 350,000 reported incidents. Luckily, there are steps you can take to avoid them. Take a look at the causes and how to prevent house fires in Columbus.

What sparks residential fires in Columbus?

Fires can start in any spot and without warning, whether caused by a smoldering cigarette in a trash can or an ignored stovetop. Here are the leading causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Flare-ups in the kitchen are the most frequent types of residential fires in Columbus and elsewhere. Unattended stovetops are the primary source, so always pay attention to that smoking skillet when making a meal. It’s also worth nothing that putting water on a grease fire will only make things worse.
• Heating: Area heaters are well known for causing residential fires. Running them for too long may cause internal components to wear out and ignite. Damaged cords and placing heaters next to flammable items like blankets or curtains will also lead to disaster. Other heating devices, such as furnaces and fireplaces, may cause fires and should be examined regularly.
• Electrical: Outdated wiring, faulty outlets, and overloaded extension cords are some ways electrical complications cause fires. If you notice sparking, flickering lights, or strange odors, get it inspected immediately.
• Candles: If there's a flame, there's a chance of fire. Residential fires caused by candles are still commonplace and usually result from careless behavior. Using candles next to combustible items like curtains or having them within range of a curious pet will often produce disastrous results.
• Smoking: Despite the overall reduction in smoking across the nation, it’s still an undeniable fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration announced that 7,800 residential fires were started by smoking in 2021. Dozing off with a cigarette still burning or discarding smoldering ashes too soon can cause destructive results.

The most effective way to prevent house fires in Columbus is to be diligent at all times. Always watch closely when cooking, don’t leave a candle unattended, and properly get rid of cigarettes. If you need to operate a space heater, do so in short intervals and get one that includes an automatic shut-off feature in the event it is knocked over.

Protect your family with a monitored fire alarm in Columbus

You ought to have smoke detectors on every floor and think about installing more by sleeping quarters. But you can take your protection to a new level with a monitored fire alarm. These modern safety components will not only detect smoke but can also be triggered due to rising heat. Furthermore, because they are part of your modern smart home, they’ll notify you and your monitoring representatives whenever a crisis takes place. This is a notable benefit, specifically when you’re not there to hear the alarm and phone the fire department yourself.

Protect against known dangers with a Vivint smart home in Columbus

Upgrade the protection of your property today with a Vivint smart home. You may custom design our systems with monitored fire alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and water sensors. You’ll appreciate the instant updates to your cell phone and the 24-hour support that comes with professional monitoring. Contact (706) 770-6611 to speak with a skilled Vivint professional.