Common causes of residential fires in Springfield and how to prevent them

When you own a home, there are numerous risks to think about. Fire is at the top of the list, as it can occur anywhere 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 over 350,000 noted incidents. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to keep them from happening|. Investigate the causes and how to prevent house fires in Springfield.

What sparks residential fires in Springfield?

Fires can start anywhere and without warning, whether caused by a smoldering cigarette in a trash can or an ignored stovetop. Here are the most common causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Flare-ups in the kitchen are the most frequent types of residential fires in Springfield and all other areas. Neglected stovetops are the main source, so always pay attention to that hot skillet when cooking. It’s also worth nothing that putting water on a grease fire will only make things worse.
• Heating: Portable heaters are a well-known cause of residential fires. Using them for lengthy amounts of time may cause inner parts to break down and catch fire. Damaged cords and placing heaters next to flammable materials like bedding or curtains will also lead to disastrous results. Other types of heating, such as HVAC systems and fireplaces, could cause fires and need to be inspected periodically.
• Electrical: Old wiring, defective outlets, and overloaded extension cords are several of the ways electrical problems result in fires. If you discern burning smells, sparking, or flickering lights, get it checked out immediately.
• Candles: Whenever there's a flame, there's a chance of fire. Residential fires from candles are still frequently reported and often result from careless behavior. Using candles in close proximity to ignitable objects like drapes or having them within the domain of a curious pet will often result in disaster.
• Smoking: Despite the overall decrease in smoking across the nation, it’s still an unquestionable 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 still burning or discarding smoldering ashes too soon can give rise to catastrophic results.

The best way to prevent house fires in Springfield is to be diligent at all times. Always watch closely when cooking, don’t leave a candle unattended, and get rid of cigarettes properly. If you need to run a space heater, do so sparingly and use one that includes an automatic shut-off feature in case it tips over.

Get help quickly with a monitored fire alarm in Springfield

You ought to have smoke detectors on every floor and more near sleeping quarters. 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 triggered due to rising heat. Furthermore, because they are part of your modern smart home, they’ll notify you and your monitoring professionals whenever a crisis occurs. This is a notable feature, particularly when you’re not around to hear the alarm and contact the fire department yourself.

Defend against various risks with a Vivint smart home in Springfield

Elevate the protection of your household today with a Vivint smart home. You may customize our systems with monitored fire alarms, water sensors, and carbon monoxide detectors. You’ll be appreciative of the instant alerts to your mobile device and the peace of mind that you get with professional monitoring. Contact (417) 428-8884 to talk with a Vivint representative.