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

When you own a home, there are many hazards to consider. Fire is at the top of the list, as it can occur in any place and at any time. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated an incredible $8.9 billion in property damage throughout the United States as a result of residential fires in 2021. In the same year, there were more than 350,000 recorded fires. Luckily, there are steps you can take to stay clear of them. Take a look at the causes and how to prevent house fires in Hoover.

What causes residential fires in Hoover?

Fires can begin anywhere and without warning, whether ignited by a smoldering cigarette in a trash can or a neglected stovetop. Here are the leading causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Kitchen flare-ups are the most frequent sorts of residential fires in Hoover and elsewhere. Ignored stovetops are the primary cause, so always pay attention to that hot skillet when making dinner. It’s also essential to note that throwing water on a grease fire will only make matters worse.
• Heating: Portable heaters are well established as a cause of residential fires. Operating them for too long may result in internal components degrading and sparking. Placing heaters next to combustible objects like bed sheets and drapes or using damaged cords will also lead to disaster. Other types of heating, such as fireplaces and furnaces, could cause fires and ought to be checked regularly.
• Electrical: Worn out wiring, faulty outlets, and overburdened extension cords are several of the ways electrical issues cause fires. Never use an appliance with a damaged cord, and make certain ignitable objects like paper aren’t layed on top of a lampshade, get it inspected immediately.
• Candles: If there's a flame, there's the potential for fire. Residential fires due to candles are still commonplace and often result from people being careless. Placing candles too close to combustible materials like drapes or leaving them within the reach of an inquisitive pet will often result in disaster.
• Smoking: Despite the overall reduction in smoking across the country, it’s still an undeniable fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated that 7,800 residential fires were a result of smoking in 2021. Dozing off with a cigarette in hand or prematurely disposing of smoldering ashes can give rise to catastrophic results.

The best way to prevent house fires in Hoover is to steer clear of negligent behavior. Always keep an eye on things when cooking, don’t leave a candle burning, and properly discard cigarettes. If you have to use a space heater, do so in short intervals and use one that has an automatic shut-off feature in case it tips over.

Get help quickly with a monitored fire alarm in Hoover

You ought to have smoke detectors on every floor and consider using more by bedrooms. But you can take your home’s safety a step further with a monitored fire alarm. These modern safety features will not only recognize smoke but can also be triggered due to extreme heat. Furthermore, since they incorporate into your modern smart home, they’ll alert you and your monitoring professionals whenever a crisis takes place. This is a worthwhile perk, especially when you’re not home to hear the alarm and contact the fire department yourself.

Protect against common risks with a Vivint smart home in Hoover

Upgrade the safety of your household today with a Vivint smart home. You may personalize our systems with monitored fire alarms, CO detectors, and flood sensors. You’ll appreciate the instant updates to your smartphone and the 24-hour support that you enjoy with professional monitoring. Place a call to (205) 898-6989 to speak with a skilled Vivint professional.