Common causes of residential fires in Sandy Springs and how to prevent them

There are numerous dangers you must consider as a homeowner. Fire is at the top of the list, as it can occur anywhere and at any time. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated an astounding $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 documented incidents. Luckily, there are things you can do to keep them from arising|. Take a look at the causes and how to prevent house fires in Sandy Springs.

What sparks residential fires in Sandy Springs?

Fires can begin in any location and without notice, whether caused by a burning cigarette in a garbage can or an ignored stovetop. Here are the most common causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Incidents in the kitchen are the most frequent sorts of residential fires in Sandy Springs and all other areas. Unattended stovetops are the primary cause, so always watch that smoking skillet when cooking. It’s also essential to note that dumping water on a grease fire will only worsen the situation.
• Heating: Portable heaters are well established as a cause of residential fires. Operating them for too long can cause internal parts to wear out and ignite. Damaged cords and placing heaters by combustible materials like blankets or curtains can also lead to disaster. Other heating elements, such as furnaces and fireplaces, could cause fires and ought to be inspected frequently.
• Electrical: Old wiring, defective outlets, and overburdened extension cords are several of the ways electrical complications cause fires. If you detect flickering lights, sparking from an outlet, or odd odors, get it investigated immediately.
• Candles: Whenever there's a flame, there's the potential for fire. Residential fires caused by candles are still all too common and usually result from careless behavior. Placing candles in close proximity to combustible objects like drapes or leaving them within the reach of a rambunctious pet will lead to disaster.
• Smoking: Despite the overall decrease in smoking nationwide, it’s still a primary fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated that 7,800 residential fires were caused by smoking in 2021. Falling asleep while holding a cigarette or throwing out smoldering ashes prematurely can cause devastating results.

The most effective way to prevent house fires in Sandy Springs is to be diligent at all times. Always pay attention when cooking, don’t leave a candle burning unattended, and dispose of cigarettes properly. If you have to run a space heater, do so in short intervals and invest in one that offers an automatic shut-off feature in case it overturns.

Protect your family with a monitored fire alarm in Sandy Springs

You need to have smoke detectors on every floor and think about installing more by sleeping areas. But you can take your protection to another level with a monitored fire alarm. These beneficial safety features will not only discern smoke but can also be tripped due to extreme heat. Furthermore, considering they are part of your modern smart home, they’ll notify you and your monitoring professionals whenever an emergency takes place. This is a worthwhile perk, specifically 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 Sandy Springs

Enhance the safety of your residence today with a Vivint smart home. You can customize our systems with monitored fire alarms, water sensors, and carbon monoxide detectors. You’ll appreciate the instant updates to your mobile device and the peace of mind that you enjoy with professional monitoring. Contact (470) 466-8688 to talk with a Vivint representative.