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

There are numerous risks you need to consider as a property owner. Fire is foremost among them, as it can happen in any place and at any time. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated a stunning $8.9 billion in property damage in the United States as a result of residential fires in 2021. In the same year, there were more than 350,000 noted occurrences. Thankfully, there are actions you can take to prevent them. Investigate the causes and how to prevent house fires in Kingsport.

What starts residential fires in Kingsport?

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

• Cooking: Incidents in the kitchen are the most common kinds of residential fires in Kingsport and everywhere else. Unattended stovetops are the main cause, so always pay attention to that smoking skillet when cooking. It’s also important to note that dousing a grease fire with water will only make matters worse.
• Heating: Space heaters are a well-known cause of residential fires. Running them for too long may result in internal parts degrading and igniting. Worn cords and putting heaters next to combustible materials like blankets or window coverings will also lead to devastating results. Other types of heating, such as fireplaces and furnaces, might cause fires and ought to be examined regularly.
• Electrical: Outdated wiring, defective outlets, and overwhelmed extension cords are a few of the ways electrical issues lead to fires. Whenever you detect sparking, flickering lights, or strange odors, get it inspected promptly.
• Candles: If there's a flame, there's the possibility of fire. Residential fires due to candles are still frequently reported and usually result from careless behavior. Burning candles too close to ignitable materials like drapery or having them within the domain of a rambunctious pet will often result in disaster.
• Smoking: Despite the overall reduction in smoking across the nation, it’s still an unquestionable fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration announced that 7,800 residential fires were started by smoking in 2021. Dozing off with a cigarette in hand or discarding smoldering ashes carelessly can bring about devastating results.

The primary way to prevent house fires in Kingsport is to be diligent at all times. Always pay attention when cooking, never leave a candle unattended, and properly dispose of cigarettes. If you must run a space heater, do so in short intervals and get one that has an automatic shut-off switch in case it tips over.

Safeguard your home with a monitored fire alarm in Kingsport

You need to have smoke detectors on each floor and think about installing more near sleeping quarters. But you can take your protection to a new level with a monitored fire alarm. These modern safety devices will not only recognize smoke but can also trigger due to rising heat. Furthermore, considering they are part of your modern smart home, they’ll warn you and your monitoring representatives whenever a crisis strikes. This is a worthwhile feature, specifically when you’re not there to hear the alarm and call the fire department.

Safeguard your home against known dangers with a Vivint smart home in Kingsport

Elevate the safety of your residence today with a Vivint smart home. You may personalize our systems with monitored fire alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and water sensors. You’ll be appreciative of the instant alerts to your smartphone and the reassurance that you get with professional monitoring. Contact (423) 556-9460 to speak with a skilled Vivint professional.