Leading causes of residential fires in Jacksonville and how to avoid them

When you own a home, there are a wide range of hazards to consider. Fire is at the top of the list, as it can arise 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 because of residential fires in 2021. That same year, there were in excess of 350,000 noted fires. Thankfully, there are things you can do to keep them from happening|. Investigate the causes and how to prevent house fires in Jacksonville.

What sparks residential fires in Jacksonville?

Fires can sprout up in any location and without notice, whether caused by a burning cigarette in a trash can or an ignored stovetop. Here are the leading causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Incidents in the kitchen are the most widespread sorts of residential fires in Jacksonville and everywhere else. Ignored stovetops are the main culprit, so always pay attention to that smoking skillet when cooking. It’s also worth nothing that throwing water on a grease fire will only worsen the situation.
• Heating: Space heaters are well known for causing residential fires. Running them for lengthy time periods can cause internal parts to break down and catch fire. Placing heaters next to combustible fabrics like blankets and drapery or using worn cords can also lead to devastating results. Other heating devices, such as furnaces and fireplaces, might cause fires and need to be inspected periodically.
• Electrical: Worn out wiring, defective outlets, and overwhelmed extension cords are several of the ways electrical problems result in fires. If you discern flickering lights, sparking from an outlet, or odd odors, get it checked out right away.
• Candles: Whenever there's a flame, there's a chance of fire. Residential fires caused by candles are still frequently reported and often result from carelessness. Burning candles next to ignitable materials like curtains or having them within the reach of a curious pet will often produce disastrous results.
• Smoking: Despite the overall decline in smoking across the country, it’s still an unquestionable fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated that 7,800 residential fires were started by smoking in 2021. Nodding off with a cigarette in hand or disposing of smoldering ashes carelessly can cause devastating results.

The primary way to prevent house fires in Jacksonville is to eliminate careless behavior. Always pay attention when cooking, don’t ever leave a candle unattended, and discard cigarettes properly. If you must run a space heater, do so infrequently and get one that includes an automatic shut-off safety precaution in case it overturns.

Get help quickly with a monitored fire alarm in Jacksonville

You ought to have smoke detectors on every floor and consider using more by bedrooms. But you can take your protection to a new level with a monitored fire alarm. These modern safety components will not only discern smoke but can also trigger due to elevated heat levels. Furthermore, since they incorporate into your modern smart home, they’ll alert you and your monitoring professionals whenever a disaster takes place. This is a nice benefit, specifically when you’re not there to hear the alarm and contact the fire department yourself.

Safeguard your home against common risks with a Vivint smart home in Jacksonville

Elevate the protection of your property today with a Vivint smart home. You can custom design our systems with monitored fire alarms, CO detectors, and flood sensors. You’ll be appreciative of the instant updates to your cell phone and the 24-hour support that you get with professional monitoring. Dial (904) 977-6139 to talk with a Vivint representative.