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

When you own a home, there are a wide range of risks to think about. Fire is at the top of the list, as it can arise in various places and anytime. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated an incredible $8.9 billion in property damage in the United States due to residential fires in 2021. Also during this year, there were more than 350,000 noted incidents. Fortunately, there are actions you can take to keep them from happening|. Learn more about the causes and how to prevent house fires in Greenville.

What sparks residential fires in Greenville?

Fires can sprout up anywhere and without notice, whether caused by a smoldering cigarette in a garbage can or a neglected stovetop. Here are the leading causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Kitchen flare-ups are the most frequent sorts of residential fires in Greenville and everywhere else. Neglected stovetops are the main culprit, so always watch that hot skillet when making a meal. It’s also important to note that soaking a grease fire with water will only make things worse.
• Heating: Portable heaters are well established as a cause of residential fires. Running them for extended periods might cause internal pieces to wear out and spark. Frayed cords and situating heaters next to combustible objects like blankets or drapes can also lead to disastrous results. Other heating devices, such as fireplaces and furnaces, could cause fires and ought to be checked frequently.
• Electrical: Old wiring, faulty outlets, and overwhelmed extension cords are some ways electrical issues cause fires. Don’t run an appliance with a tattered cord, and make certain combustible materials like paper aren’t put on top of a lampshade, get it investigated immediately.
• Candles: Wherever there's a flame, there's the possibility of fire. Residential fires due to candles are still commonplace and typically result from careless behavior. Placing them within a pet’s domain or near ignitable items will lead to disaster.
• Smoking: Despite the overall reduction in smoking nationwide, 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 devastating results.

The best way to prevent house fires in Greenville is to be careful at all times. Always pay attention when cooking, don’t leave a candle burning unattended, and properly dispose of cigarettes. If you need to operate a space heater, do so sparingly and get one that offers an automatic shut-off feature in the event it is knocked over.

Safeguard your home with a monitored fire alarm in Greenville

You need to have smoke detectors on all floors and consider using more by sleeping areas. But you can take your home’s safety to another level with a monitored fire alarm. These beneficial safety devices will not only detect smoke but can also trigger due to rising heat. Furthermore, since they integrate into your modern smart home, they’ll alert you and your monitoring representatives whenever a disaster strikes. This is a notable benefit, especially when you’re not home to hear the alarm and contact the fire department.

Defend against common dangers with a Vivint smart home in Greenville

Elevate 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 appreciate the instant updates to your cell phone and the reassurance that comes with professional monitoring. Contact (864) 660-7126 to get started.