Top causes of residential fires in Springfield and how to avoid them

There are numerous hazards you need to think about as a homeowner. Fire is at the top of the list, as it can occur in various places and at any moment. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated an incredible $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 occurrences. Luckily, there are things you can do to avoid them. Investigate the causes and how to prevent house fires in Springfield.

What sparks residential fires in Springfield?

Fires can sprout up in any spot and without warning, whether ignited by a discarded cigarette in a waste container or an unattended stovetop. Here are the top causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Flare-ups in the kitchen are the most common sorts of residential fires in Springfield and everywhere else. Ignored stovetops are the chief origin, so always pay attention to that scorching skillet when making a meal. It’s also worth nothing that throwing water on a grease fire will only worsen the situation.
• Heating: Area heaters are well known for causing residential fires. Running them for too long may result in inner elements wearing down and igniting. Damaged cords and putting heaters near combustible objects like bedding or curtains may also lead to disastrous results. Other heating devices, such as HVAC systems and fireplaces, may cause fires and ought to be examined frequently.
• Electrical: Worn out wiring, faulty outlets, and overloaded extension cords are a few of the ways electrical problems result in fires. Don’t ever use an appliance with a damaged cord, and ensure flammable substances like paper aren’t layed on top of a lampshade, get it inspected 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 carelessness. Placing them within a pet’s domain or near flammable items will often produce disastrous results.
• Smoking: Even with the overall decrease in smoking nationwide, it’s still an unquestionable fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration announced that 7,800 residential fires were a result of smoking in 2021. Dozing off while holding a cigarette or disposing of smoldering ashes prematurely can bring about catastrophic results.

The best way to prevent house fires in Springfield is to steer clear of reckless behavior. Always keep an eye on things when cooking, don’t leave a candle unattended, and properly dispose of cigarettes. If you must use a space heater, do so infrequently and invest in one that offers an automatic shut-off safety precaution in case it is knocked over.

Get help quickly with a monitored fire alarm in Springfield

You should have smoke detectors on all floors and more by sleeping areas. But you can take your protection to a new level with a monitored fire alarm. These modern safety devices will not only recognize smoke but can also be triggered due to rising heat. Additionally, considering they integrate into your modern smart home, they’ll notify you and your monitoring specialists whenever a crisis occurs. This is a nice benefit, especially when you’re not there to hear the alarm and call the fire department.

Defend against common dangers with a Vivint smart home in Springfield

Enhance the safety of your residence today with a Vivint smart home. You can customize our systems with monitored fire alarms, CO detectors, and flood sensors. You’ll appreciate the instant alerts to your mobile device and the peace of mind that you get with professional monitoring. Contact (217) 627-6647 to get started.