Top causes of residential fires in Charlotte and how to avoid them

When you own a home, there are a wide range of hazards to think about. Fire is foremost among them, as it can happen anywhere and at any time. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated an incredible $8.9 billion in property damage throughout the United States due to residential fires in 2021. Also during this year, there were in excess of 350,000 reported fires. Luckily, there are things you can do to keep them from taking place|. Learn more about the causes and how to prevent house fires in Charlotte.

What starts residential fires in Charlotte?

Fires can start anywhere and without notice, whether sparked by a burning cigarette in a trash can or an unattended stovetop. Here are the most common causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Incidents in the kitchen are the most frequent kinds of residential fires in Charlotte and elsewhere. Neglected stovetops are the main source, so always keep an eye on that hot skillet when making a meal. It’s also essential to note that throwing water on a grease fire will only make matters worse.
• Heating: Portable heaters are well known for causing residential fires. Running them for extended amounts of time can result in inner parts breaking down and sparking. Placing heaters near combustible materials like bedding and curtains or using damaged cords will also lead to disastrous results. Other heating elements, such as fireplaces and furnaces, could cause fires and need to be inspected periodically.
• Electrical: Old wiring, defective outlets, and overburdened extension cords are some ways electrical complications result in fires. If you detect sparking, flickering lights, or strange odors, get it investigated promptly.
• Candles: When there's a flame, there's the possibility of fire. Residential fires due to candles are still commonplace and usually result from careless behavior. Placing candles in close proximity to flammable materials like curtains or leaving them within range of a rambunctious pet will lead to disaster.
• Smoking: Despite the overall decline in smoking across the nation, it’s still a primary fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated that 7,800 residential fires were caused by smoking in 2021. Falling asleep with a cigarette still burning or throwing out smoldering ashes prematurely can bring about destructive results.

The most effective way to prevent house fires in Charlotte is to eliminate careless behavior. Always keep an eye on things when cooking, don’t leave a candle burning, and properly dispose of cigarettes. If you have to run a space heater, do so sparingly and invest in one that has an automatic shut-off feature in the event it overturns.

Protect your family with a monitored fire alarm in Charlotte

You should have smoke detectors on each floor and think about installing more next to bedrooms. But you can take your protection to a new level with a monitored fire alarm. These beneficial safety features will not only recognize smoke but can also be tripped due to elevated heat levels. Additionally, because they incorporate into your modern smart home, they’ll alert you and your monitoring professionals whenever a crisis strikes. This is a nice benefit, especially when you’re not there to hear the alarm and phone the fire department.

Protect against common threats with a Vivint smart home in Charlotte

Enhance the safety of your property today with a Vivint smart home. You can customize our systems with monitored fire alarms, water sensors, and carbon monoxide detectors. You’ll be appreciative of the instant notifications to your mobile device and the reassurance that comes with professional monitoring. Place a call to (704) 457-8797 to speak with a skilled Vivint professional.