Common causes of residential fires in Springfield and how to prevent them

There are a plethora of perils you have to consider as a homeowner. Fire is chief among them, as it can happen in various places and at any moment. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated an astounding $8.9 billion in property damage in the United States due to residential fires in 2021. Also during this year, there were in excess of 350,000 documented occurrences. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to keep them from taking place|. Take a look at the causes and how to prevent house fires in Springfield.

What causes residential fires in Springfield?

Fires can begin in any spot and without notice, whether caused by a discarded cigarette in a waste container or an ignored stovetop. Here are the top causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Flare-ups in the kitchen are the most frequent sorts of residential fires in Springfield and everywhere else. Ignored stovetops are the primary cause, so always pay attention to that hot skillet when making dinner. It’s also important to note that putting water on a grease fire will only worsen the situation.
• Heating: Portable heaters are well established as a cause of residential fires. Running them for too long might result in internal elements wearing down and igniting. Damaged cords and putting heaters next to flammable objects like blankets or curtains may also lead to devastating results. Other heating elements, such as fireplaces and furnaces, might cause fires and need to be examined frequently.
• Electrical: Worn out wiring, malfunctioning outlets, and overburdened extension cords are a few of the ways electrical problems lead to fires. Don’t run an appliance with a damaged cord, and make sure ignitable objects like paper aren’t placed on a lampshade, get it inspected right away.
• Candles: Wherever there's a flame, there's the potential for fire. Residential fires due to candles are still commonplace and often result from carelessness. Situating them within reach of pets or too close to flammable materials will often result in disaster.
• Smoking: Even with the overall decrease in smoking nationwide, it’s still an unquestionable fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated that 7,800 residential fires were a result of smoking in 2021. Nodding off while holding a cigarette or discarding smoldering ashes prematurely can cause catastrophic results.

The primary way to prevent house fires in Springfield is to eliminate careless behavior. Always pay attention when cooking, never leave a candle unattended, and properly discard cigarettes. If you must run a space heater, do so sparingly and invest in one that has an automatic shut-off feature in the event it is knocked over.

Protect your family with a monitored fire alarm in Springfield

You need to have smoke detectors on all floors and consider using more near bedrooms. But you can take your protection to a new level with a monitored fire alarm. These innovative safety devices will not only discern smoke but can also be tripped due to extreme heat. Additionally, considering they incorporate into your modern smart home, they’ll warn you and your monitoring specialists whenever a crisis occurs. This is a nice feature, specifically when you’re not home to hear the alarm and phone the fire department.

Protect against various threats with a Vivint smart home in Springfield

Elevate the safety of your residence today with a Vivint smart home. You may custom design our systems with monitored fire alarms, water sensors, and carbon monoxide detectors. You’ll be appreciative of the instant alerts to your cell phone and the 24-hour support that comes with professional monitoring. Place a call to (413) 277-7517 to speak with a skilled Vivint professional.