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Common causes of residential fires in Jamestown and how to avoid them

September 25, 2023
Man surprised by smoke pouring out of oven

When you own a home, there are a wide range of hazards to think about. Fire is chief among them, as it can happen in various places and at any moment. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated an astounding $8.9 billion in property damage throughout the United States due to residential fires in 2021. That same year, there were over 350,000 recorded fires. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to keep them from arising|. Investigate the causes and how to prevent house fires in Jamestown.

What starts residential fires in Jamestown?

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

  • Cooking: Flare-ups in the kitchen are the most widespread sorts of residential fires in Jamestown and everywhere else. Unattended stovetops are the primary source, so always watch that scorching skillet when making dinner. It’s also worth nothing that dousing a grease fire with water will only worsen the situation.
  • Heating: Area heaters are well known for causing residential fires. Using them for too long may cause inner pieces to wear out and spark. Worn cords and situating heaters near combustible objects like blankets or drapes can also lead to devastating results. Other heating devices, such as HVAC systems and fireplaces, might cause fires and should be inspected frequently.
  • Electrical: Worn out wiring, faulty outlets, and overloaded extension cords are several of the ways electrical issues lead to fires. Never run an appliance with a damaged cord, and make certain combustible objects like paper aren’t put on top of a lampshade, get it inspected immediately.
  • Candles: If there's a flame, there's a chance of fire. Residential fires due to candles are still frequently reported and usually result from careless behavior. Putting them within reach of pets or too close to combustible items will lead to disaster.
  • Smoking: In spite of the overall decrease in smoking nationwide, it’s still an unquestionable fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated that 7,800 residential fires were started by smoking in 2021. Nodding off with a cigarette still burning or throwing out smoldering ashes prematurely can give rise to catastrophic results.

The best way to prevent house fires in Jamestown is to avoid careless behavior. Always watch closely when cooking, never leave a candle unattended, and properly dispose of cigarettes. If you need to operate a space heater, do so infrequently and get one that includes an automatic shut-off feature in the event it tips over.

Protect your family with a monitored fire alarm in Jamestown

You ought to have smoke detectors on each floor and consider using 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 discern smoke but can also be triggered due to extreme heat. Additionally, considering they incorporate into your modern smart home, they’ll alert you and your monitoring professionals whenever a crisis takes place. This is a notable benefit, particularly when you’re not home to hear the alarm and contact the fire department yourself.

Protect against known threats with a Vivint smart home in Jamestown

Upgrade the protection of your household today with a Vivint smart home. You can 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 (601) 494-3394 to speak with a skilled Vivint professional.