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

There are a plethora of dangers you need to keep in mind as a homeowner. Fire is chief among them, as it can happen in various places and at any time. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated an incredible $8.9 billion in property damage across the United States due to residential fires in 2021. In the same year, there were over 350,000 noted fires. Luckily, there are things you can do to stay clear of them. Take a look at the causes and how to prevent house fires in Hagerstown.

What starts residential fires in Hagerstown?

Fires can start in any spot and without notice, whether caused by a discarded cigarette in a garbage can or an ignored stovetop. Here are the leading causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Flare-ups in the kitchen are the most widespread sorts of residential fires in Hagerstown and all other areas. Ignored stovetops are the primary cause, so always pay attention to that smoking skillet when making dinner. It’s also important to note that putting water on a grease fire will only make things worse.
• Heating: Area heaters are a well-known cause of residential fires. Operating them for too long may cause inner components to break down and ignite. Placing heaters by flammable fabrics like bedding and drapery or using worn cords can also lead to devastating results. Other types of heating, such as fireplaces and furnaces, may cause fires and need to be inspected frequently.
• Electrical: Worn out wiring, faulty outlets, and overloaded extension cords are several of the ways electrical problems cause fires. Don’t operate an appliance with a damaged cord, and ensure flammable objects like paper aren’t put on top of a lampshade, get it inspected right away.
• Candles: When there's a flame, there's a chance of fire. Residential fires caused by candles are still frequently reported and often result from careless behavior. Situating them within an area reachable by pets or near flammable materials will lead to disaster.
• Smoking: Despite the overall decrease in smoking nationwide, it’s still a primary 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 prematurely throwing out smoldering ashes can bring about destructive results.

The best way to prevent house fires in Hagerstown is to be careful at all times. Always pay attention when cooking, don’t leave a candle burning unattended, and get rid of cigarettes properly. If you need to operate a space heater, do so in short intervals and get one that includes an automatic shut-off safety precaution in case it tips over.

Get help quickly with a monitored fire alarm in Hagerstown

You ought to have smoke detectors on every floor and more by bedrooms. But you can take your home’s safety a step further with a monitored fire alarm. These modern safety features will not only detect smoke but can also trigger due to rising heat. Furthermore, considering they integrate into your modern smart home, they’ll alert you and your monitoring representatives whenever a crisis takes place. This is a worthwhile feature, particularly when you’re not home to hear the alarm and call the fire department.

Defend against various dangers with a Vivint smart home in Hagerstown

Enhance the safety of your residence today with a Vivint smart home. You can personalize our systems with monitored fire alarms, water sensors, and carbon monoxide detectors. You’ll be appreciative of the instant alerts to your smartphone and the reassurance that comes with professional monitoring. Dial (301) 923-4840 to get started.