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

When you own a home, there are many hazards to think about. Fire is foremost among them, as it can occur in various places and at any time. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated a stunning $8.9 billion in property damage across the United States due to residential fires in 2021. That same year, there were more than 350,000 noted fires. Luckily, there are steps you can take to keep them from happening|. Learn more about the causes and how to prevent house fires in Gulfport.

What starts residential fires in Gulfport?

Fires can begin in any spot and without warning, whether ignited by a discarded cigarette in a trash can or a neglected stovetop. Here are the top causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Flare-ups in the kitchen are the most common kinds of residential fires in Gulfport and elsewhere. Unattended stovetops are the chief source, so always pay attention to that scorching skillet when making dinner. It’s also essential to note that throwing water on a grease fire will only worsen the situation.
• Heating: Portable heaters are well known for causing residential fires. Running them for too long may cause internal parts to wear out and spark. Worn cords and situating heaters near flammable materials like blankets or drapes can also lead to devastating results. Other types of heating, such as furnaces and fireplaces, might cause fires and ought to be checked regularly.
• Electrical: Worn out wiring, defective outlets, and overburdened extension cords are some ways electrical issues lead to fires. If you notice flickering lights, sparking from an outlet, or odd odors, get it investigated right away.
• Candles: Wherever there's a flame, there's a chance of fire. Residential fires caused by candles are still frequently reported and often result from people being careless. Burning candles next to ignitable items like drapery or keeping them within range of an inquisitive pet will often result in disaster.
• Smoking: In spite of the overall decrease in smoking nationwide, it’s still an undeniable fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated that 7,800 residential fires were a result of smoking in 2021. Falling asleep with a cigarette still burning or discarding smoldering ashes prematurely can cause catastrophic results.

The primary way to prevent house fires in Gulfport is to eliminate reckless behavior. Always watch closely when cooking, don’t ever leave a candle burning unattended, and properly dispose of cigarettes. If you have to use a space heater, do so in short intervals and invest in one that includes an automatic shut-off feature in case it is knocked over.

Safeguard your home with a monitored fire alarm in Gulfport

You need to have smoke detectors on each floor and think about installing more near bedrooms. But you can take your safety a step further with a monitored fire alarm. These innovative safety components will not only recognize smoke but can also be triggered due to rising heat. Furthermore, considering they are part of your modern smart home, they’ll alert you and your monitoring representatives whenever an emergency takes place. This is a nice feature, especially when you’re not home to hear the alarm and contact the fire department.

Safeguard your home against common dangers with a Vivint smart home in Gulfport

Upgrade the protection of your household today with a Vivint smart home. You may custom design our systems with monitored fire alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and water sensors. You’ll appreciate the instant updates to your smartphone and the peace of mind that you get with professional monitoring. Contact (228) 338-1467 to get started.