Leading causes of residential fires in Richmond and how to avoid them

When you own a home, there are many risks to keep in mind. Fire is foremost among them, as it can arise in any place and at any moment. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated a stunning $8.9 billion in property damage throughout the United States as a result of residential fires in 2021. Also during this year, there were over 350,000 noted occurrences. Fortunately, there are things you can do to stay clear of them. Learn more about the causes and how to prevent house fires in Richmond.

What sparks residential fires in Richmond?

Fires can begin anywhere and without notice, whether ignited by a burning cigarette in a waste container or an unattended stovetop. Here are the leading causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Flare-ups in the kitchen are the most frequent kinds of residential fires in Richmond and elsewhere. Unattended stovetops are the main cause, so always keep an eye on that hot skillet when cooking. It’s also essential to note that putting water on a grease fire will only make matters worse.
• Heating: Space heaters are well known for causing residential fires. Using them for extended periods can cause inner components to degrade and ignite. Putting heaters by combustible objects like blankets and drapes or using frayed cords may also lead to devastating results. 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 a few of the ways electrical problems lead to fires. Don’t ever use an appliance with a tattered cord, and make certain ignitable materials like paper aren’t placed on a lampshade, get it checked out right away.
• Candles: Wherever there's a flame, there's the possibility of fire. Residential fires caused by candles are still all too common and typically result from people being careless. Using candles in close proximity to flammable items like drapery or leaving them within the reach of a curious pet will often result in disaster.
• Smoking: Even with the overall decrease in smoking across the country, 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. Nodding off with a cigarette still burning or throwing out smoldering ashes prematurely can cause devastating results.

The primary way to prevent house fires in Richmond is to be careful at all times. Always watch closely when cooking, never leave a candle burning, and properly discard cigarettes. If you must operate a space heater, do so sparingly and invest in one that has an automatic shut-off feature in the event it tips over.

Protect your family with a monitored fire alarm in Richmond

You need to have smoke detectors on all floors and consider using more by bedrooms. But you can take your safety to a new level with a monitored fire alarm. These innovative safety features will not only detect smoke but can also be triggered due to extreme heat. In addition, because they are part of your modern smart home, they’ll notify you and your monitoring specialists whenever a crisis strikes. This is a nice perk, particularly when you’re not there to hear the alarm and phone the fire department yourself.

Defend against various dangers with a Vivint smart home in Richmond

Elevate the protection of your household today with a Vivint smart home. You may custom design our systems with monitored fire alarms, CO detectors, and flood sensors. You’ll be appreciative of the instant notifications to your smartphone and the reassurance that you get with professional monitoring. Dial (804) 534-2782 to talk with a Vivint representative.