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Top causes of residential fires in Alpharetta and how to prevent them

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

There are a plethora of dangers you must think about as a property owner. Fire is foremost among them, as it can happen in various places and anytime. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated an astounding $8.9 billion in property damage in the United States as a result of residential fires in 2021. In the same year, there were in excess of 350,000 noted incidents. Luckily, there are things you can do to keep them from taking place|. Investigate the causes and how to prevent house fires in Alpharetta.

What causes residential fires in Alpharetta?

Fires can sprout up anywhere and without warning, whether ignited by a discarded cigarette in a trash can or a neglected stovetop. Here are the most common causes of residential fires.

  • Cooking: Flare-ups in the kitchen are the most widespread types of residential fires in Alpharetta and elsewhere. Neglected stovetops are the main culprit, so always keep an eye on that hot skillet when making a meal. It’s also important to note that throwing water on a grease fire will only worsen the situation.
  • Heating: Area heaters are well known for causing residential fires. Operating them for too long might cause inner parts to wear out and ignite. Placing heaters next to flammable textiles like bed sheets and drapes or using worn cords will also lead to disaster. Other heating elements, such as HVAC systems and fireplaces, may cause fires and should be inspected periodically.
  • Electrical: Worn out wiring, faulty outlets, and overloaded extension cords are some ways electrical issues lead to fires. Don’t use an appliance with a tattered cord, and make certain flammable materials like paper aren’t placed on 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 commonplace and often result from people being careless. Placing candles in close proximity to flammable items like curtains or having them within the domain of a curious pet will often result in disaster.
  • Smoking: In spite of the overall decline in smoking across the country, it’s still a primary fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated that 7,800 residential fires were a result of smoking in 2021. Nodding off with a cigarette in hand or disposing of smoldering ashes carelessly can cause catastrophic results.

The most effective way to prevent house fires in Alpharetta is to be attentive at all times. Always watch closely when cooking, don’t leave a candle burning, and discard cigarettes properly. If you have to run a space heater, do so infrequently and get one that offers an automatic shut-off safety precaution in the event it overturns.

Protect your family with a monitored fire alarm in Alpharetta

You ought to have smoke detectors on each floor and consider using more next to sleeping quarters. But you can take your protection to a new level with a monitored fire alarm. These modern safety components will not only recognize smoke but can also be tripped due to elevated heat levels. Additionally, since they incorporate into your modern smart home, they’ll notify you and your monitoring representatives whenever a disaster takes place. This is a worthwhile benefit, particularly when you’re not around to hear the alarm and contact the fire department.

Defend against various dangers with a Vivint smart home in Alpharetta

Enhance the safety of your household today with a Vivint smart home. You may 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 peace of mind that comes with professional monitoring. Dial (678) 379-1627 to get started.