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

When you own a home, there are numerous hazards to think about. Fire is at the top of the list, as it can happen anywhere and at any moment. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated an incredible $8.9 billion in property damage throughout the United States as a result of residential fires in 2021. That same year, there were in excess of 350,000 recorded occurrences. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to keep them from happening|. Investigate the causes and how to prevent house fires in Blacksburg.

What causes residential fires in Blacksburg?

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

• Cooking: Kitchen flare-ups are the most widespread types of residential fires in Blacksburg and elsewhere. Unattended stovetops are the primary source, so always keep an eye on that scorching skillet when making dinner. It’s also worth nothing that putting water on a grease fire will only worsen the situation.
• Heating: Portable heaters are well established as a cause of residential fires. Using them for too long can cause internal parts to break down and ignite. Situating heaters near flammable objects like blankets and curtains or using damaged cords can also lead to disaster. Other heating elements, such as furnaces and fireplaces, may cause fires and should be checked regularly.
• Electrical: Worn out wiring, faulty outlets, and overburdened extension cords are several of the ways electrical issues result in fires. Whenever you discern flickering lights, sparking from an outlet, or odd odors, get it investigated promptly.
• Candles: If there's a flame, there's the possibility of fire. Residential fires from candles are still commonplace and typically result from careless behavior. Using candles in close proximity to combustible objects like drapes or keeping them within range of a curious pet will lead to disaster.
• Smoking: Even with the overall decrease in smoking across the country, it’s still a primary fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated that 7,800 residential fires were caused by smoking in 2021. Nodding off while holding a cigarette or discarding smoldering ashes carelessly can bring about destructive results.

The most effective way to prevent house fires in Blacksburg is to be diligent at all times. Always pay attention when cooking, never leave a candle burning, and get rid of cigarettes properly. If you must run a space heater, do so in short intervals and use one that has an automatic shut-off safety precaution in case it tips over.

Protect your family with a monitored fire alarm in Blacksburg

You ought to have smoke detectors on every floor and more by sleeping areas. But you can take your home’s safety to another level with a monitored fire alarm. These beneficial safety devices will not only detect smoke but can also trigger due to elevated heat levels. In addition, since they are part of your modern smart home, they’ll warn you and your monitoring specialists whenever a disaster takes place. This is a worthwhile feature, especially when you’re not home to hear the alarm and call the fire department yourself.

Defend against known threats with a Vivint smart home in Blacksburg

Enhance the protection of your household today with a Vivint smart home. You can personalize our systems with monitored fire alarms, CO detectors, and flood sensors. You’ll be thankful for the instant updates to your smartphone and the reassurance that you get with professional monitoring. Contact (540) 340-9402 to get started.