Leading causes of residential fires in Birmingham and how to prevent them

There are numerous hazards you have to consider as a homeowner. Fire is foremost among them, as it can happen in various places and at any time. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated an incredible $8.9 billion in property damage in the United States as a result of residential fires in 2021. In the same year, there were over 350,000 reported fires. Fortunately, there are things you can do to stay clear of them. Take a look at the causes and how to prevent house fires in Birmingham.

What causes residential fires in Birmingham?

Fires can sprout up in any spot and without notice, whether caused by a discarded cigarette in a trash can or a neglected stovetop. Here are the leading causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Incidents in the kitchen are the most common kinds of residential fires in Birmingham and everywhere else. Neglected stovetops are the chief source, so always keep an eye on that scorching skillet when making dinner. It’s also worth nothing that dousing a grease fire with water will only worsen the situation.
• Heating: Portable heaters are well known for causing residential fires. Running them for too long might result in internal parts breaking down and igniting. Frayed cords and placing heaters next to flammable materials like bed sheets or drapes may also lead to disaster. Other heating devices, such as fireplaces and furnaces, might cause fires and need to be inspected periodically.
• Electrical: Outdated wiring, malfunctioning outlets, and overwhelmed extension cords are several of the ways electrical problems cause fires. Never run an appliance with a frayed cord, and ensure combustible substances like paper aren’t put on top of a lampshade, get it inspected right away.
• Candles: Whenever there's a flame, there's a chance of fire. Residential fires due to candles are still all too common and usually result from careless behavior. Putting them within reach of pets or near combustible materials will often produce disastrous results.
• Smoking: Despite the overall decrease in smoking nationwide, it’s still a primary fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration announced that 7,800 residential fires were caused by smoking in 2021. Nodding off while holding a cigarette or prematurely throwing out smoldering ashes can give rise to catastrophic results.

The primary way to prevent house fires in Birmingham is to be diligent at all times. Always keep an eye on things when cooking, never leave a candle burning unattended, and dispose of cigarettes properly. If you have to use a space heater, do so sparingly and invest in one that includes an automatic shut-off safety precaution in case it tips over.

Get help quickly with a monitored fire alarm in Birmingham

You should have smoke detectors on every floor and consider using more next to bedrooms. But you can take your safety to another level with a monitored fire alarm. These modern safety devices will not only discern smoke but can also be tripped due to extreme heat. Furthermore, because they incorporate into your modern smart home, they’ll alert you and your monitoring representatives whenever a crisis takes place. This is a notable benefit, specifically when you’re not home to hear the alarm and call the fire department yourself.

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

Elevate the safety of your property today with a Vivint smart home. You can customize our systems with monitored fire alarms, CO detectors, and flood sensors. You’ll be appreciative of the instant notifications to your mobile device and the peace of mind that comes with professional monitoring. Contact (205) 973-4125 to speak with a skilled Vivint professional.