Top causes of residential fires in Roanoke and how to prevent them

When you own a home, there are many risks to think about. Fire is at the top of the list, as it can occur in any place and anytime. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated an incredible $8.9 billion in property damage across the United States because of residential fires in 2021. That same year, there were more than 350,000 noted incidents. Thankfully, there are actions you can take to keep them from taking place|. Investigate the causes and how to prevent house fires in Roanoke.

What causes residential fires in Roanoke?

Fires can sprout up in any spot and without notice, whether sparked by a smoldering cigarette in a garbage can or an ignored stovetop. Here are the most common causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Flare-ups in the kitchen are the most widespread sorts of residential fires in Roanoke and elsewhere. Neglected stovetops are the main source, so always keep an eye on that hot skillet when cooking. It’s also essential to note that throwing water on a grease fire will only make things worse.
• Heating: Portable heaters are well known for causing residential fires. Operating them for too long might result in inner parts wearing down and sparking. Situating heaters by flammable fabrics like blankets and curtains or using worn cords will also lead to disastrous results. Other heating devices, such as fireplaces and furnaces, could cause fires and should be checked periodically.
• Electrical: Outdated wiring, faulty outlets, and overwhelmed extension cords are several of the ways electrical issues result in fires. Don’t ever run an appliance with a tattered cord, and ensure combustible substances like paper aren’t placed on a lampshade, get it checked out right away.
• Candles: When there's a flame, there's the potential for fire. Residential fires caused by candles are still all too common and typically result from careless behavior. Placing them within reach of pets or near ignitable objects will often produce disastrous results.
• Smoking: Despite the overall reduction in smoking across the country, 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 disposing of smoldering ashes carelessly can cause devastating results.

The best way to prevent house fires in Roanoke is to be careful at all times. Always keep an eye on things when cooking, don’t leave a candle burning unattended, and get rid of cigarettes properly. If you must use a space heater, do so infrequently and get one that offers an automatic shut-off feature in the event it is knocked over.

Get help quickly with a monitored fire alarm in Roanoke

You ought to have smoke detectors on each floor and consider using more near bedrooms. But you can take your home’s safety a step further with a monitored fire alarm. These beneficial safety devices will not only detect smoke but can also be tripped due to rising heat. In addition, considering they are part of your modern smart home, they’ll warn you and your monitoring specialists whenever a disaster occurs. This is a worthwhile feature, especially when you’re not around to hear the alarm and contact the fire department yourself.

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

Upgrade the protection of your property today with a Vivint smart home. You may personalize our systems with monitored fire alarms, water sensors, and carbon monoxide detectors. You’ll appreciate the instant updates to your mobile device and the reassurance that you enjoy with professional monitoring. Contact (540) 340-9398 to speak with a skilled Vivint professional.