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August 02, 2021

What Causes House Fires In Richmond And Ways To Avoid Them

When you’re a homeowner, one of the most menacing perils to your home and family is the risk of fire. The U.S. Fire Administration projected in 2019 that American homeowners underwent nearly $1.6 billion in costs as the result of accidental or careless fires. The terrible truth is fires are sudden and are frequently avoidable -- if you know where to look. And, luckily, you are ready with a monitored fire alarm that sends you emergency responders ASAP should you ever have an emergency.

What Causes House Fires In Richmond?

Fires can happen in any spot at any time in the home. However, you can lessen the threat of fire by taking safety measures around the following items:

  • Stoves and Ovens: Cooking is far and away the leading cause of a house fire in Richmond. Kitchen-related flames commonly start when the kitchen goes neglected while cooking food. Water thrown on a grease fire can quickly expand a flame that would on the other hand be easily handled.

  • Candles: Passing out in an area with a going candle is risky, even when you use a high-sided candle holder. The flame is more than capable of catching a curtain on fire if left near a window, and a dog or cat can bump into candles while exploring. The National Fire Protection Association projects that just over 7,600 properties were damaged due to candle-related incidents between 2014-2018.

  • Electrical wires: Faulty electrical circuit interrupters, “tamper-resistant” electrical outlets, degrading or improperly set up lighting, and cut lamp cords are all prone to sparks. Don't overburden your outlets or plug anything in with uncovered electrical components. On the off chance you hear crackling or smell smoke from the outlet, flip the breaker off before checking it out.
  • Space Heaters: Skip over coiled space heaters because junk, like dust, paper or plastic scraps, or bed sheets can find their way in and alight. However, you need to make sure to check on fan and ceramic space heaters at all times when in operation.
  • Cigarettes: Solely in 2014, U.S. fire departments responded to more than 17,000 house fires triggered by cigars, pipes, or cigarettes. If you have tobacco products that smokes indoors, ensure they never pass out with a cigarette or smoke in bed. And fully snuff out your tobacco items prior to placing it into a garbage can.

A Monitored Smoke Detector Does Help When You Have A Fire

If a fire should start, you definitely want to have a speedy detection system to alert your loved ones before it's too late. A traditional smoke alarm could suffice but is limited to alerting you if smoke is really billowing. A state-of-the-art fire alarm -- a piece of equipment that's pair with your home security devices -- can detect both smoke and climbing heat and can do more to make sure everyone is safe.

A monitored fire alarm has many means it can inform you of a fire. Your alarms will notify you with a high-decibel alarm and a notification to your smartphone. That’s when your ever-vigilant monitoring experts reaches out to the fire department. And should you be somewhere in which you can't speed you your house when a fire breaks out, you can be reassured that your monitoring agent will facilitate communication between you and emergency personnel.

Utilize Monitored Fire Alarms From Secure24 Alarm Systems

The possibility of house fires in Richmond should never be discounted, but you can rest assured if you install a monitored fire alarm on the premises. Contact Secure24 Alarm Systems, and we’ll help you get all the fire detectors you need with a state-of-the-art home security system. Call (804) 294-0619 or send in the form below to begin.