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

When you own a home, there are many threats to think about. Fire is chief among them, as it can arise in various places and anytime. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated an astounding $8.9 billion in property damage throughout the United States due to residential fires in 2021. Also during this year, there were more than 350,000 reported fires. Luckily, there are things you can do to keep them from taking place|. Investigate the causes and how to prevent house fires in Charleston.

What starts residential fires in Charleston?

Fires can start in any spot and without notice, whether ignited by a discarded cigarette in a trash can or a neglected stovetop. Here are the leading causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Incidents in the kitchen are the most widespread sorts of residential fires in Charleston and everywhere else. Neglected stovetops are the main cause, so always pay attention to that smoking skillet when making dinner. It’s also important to note that soaking a grease fire with water will only worsen the situation.
• Heating: Area heaters are a well-known cause of residential fires. Operating them for too long might cause inner components to break down and catch fire. Placing heaters near combustible textiles like bed sheets and drapes or using frayed cords will also lead to disaster. Other heating elements, such as furnaces and fireplaces, could cause fires and ought to be examined frequently.
• Electrical: Worn out wiring, malfunctioning outlets, and overburdened extension cords are some ways electrical complications result in fires. Don’t use an appliance with a tattered cord, and ensure combustible objects like paper aren’t put on top of a lampshade, get it investigated promptly.
• Candles: If there's a flame, there's a chance of fire. Residential fires caused by candles are still all too common and typically result from people being careless. Placing candles next to combustible materials like drapery or having them within the domain of a curious pet will lead to disaster.
• Smoking: Despite the overall reduction in smoking across the nation, it’s still a primary fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated that 7,800 residential fires were a result of smoking in 2021. Nodding off with a cigarette in hand or prematurely throwing out smoldering ashes can bring about destructive results.

The primary way to prevent house fires in Charleston is to be attentive at all times. Always keep an eye on things when cooking, never leave a candle burning unattended, and properly get rid of cigarettes. If you must use a space heater, do so sparingly and get one that offers an automatic shut-off switch in the event it overturns.

Get help quickly with a monitored fire alarm in Charleston

You need to have smoke detectors on every floor and consider using more by bedrooms. But you can take your protection a step further with a monitored fire alarm. These modern safety devices will not only recognize smoke but can also trigger due to rising heat. In addition, because they integrate into your modern smart home, they’ll warn you and your monitoring representatives whenever a crisis strikes. This is a worthwhile perk, specifically when you’re not there to hear the alarm and contact the fire department yourself.

Safeguard your home against various threats with a Vivint smart home in Charleston

Enhance the protection of your residence today with a Vivint smart home. You can custom design our systems with monitored fire alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and water sensors. You’ll be appreciative of the instant alerts to your mobile device and the reassurance that you enjoy with professional monitoring. Dial (304) 902-6244 to speak with a skilled Vivint professional.