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

When you own a home, there are numerous hazards to think about. Fire is foremost among them, as it can happen in various places and at any time. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated an astounding $8.9 billion in property damage across the United States as a result of residential fires in 2021. That same year, there were more than 350,000 noted incidents. Fortunately, there are actions you can take to avoid them. Investigate the causes and how to prevent house fires in Chattanooga.

What starts residential fires in Chattanooga?

Fires can start in any location and without notice, whether ignited by a smoldering cigarette in a waste container or an ignored stovetop. Here are the top causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Kitchen flare-ups are the most common types of residential fires in Chattanooga and all other areas. Unattended stovetops are the chief cause, so always keep an eye on that smoking skillet when making dinner. It’s also essential to note that drenching a grease fire with water will only worsen the situation.
• Heating: Space heaters are well established as a cause of residential fires. Running them for long periods might result in internal components breaking down and catching fire. Frayed cords and putting heaters next to flammable objects like blankets or window coverings can also lead to disaster. Other heating elements, such as fireplaces and furnaces, might cause fires and need to be inspected regularly.
• Electrical: Old wiring, faulty outlets, and overburdened extension cords are several of the ways electrical problems cause fires. Don’t use an appliance with a frayed cord, and make sure combustible objects like paper aren’t placed on a lampshade, get it investigated promptly.
• Candles: Whenever there's a flame, there's the potential for fire. Residential fires due to candles are still frequently reported and usually result from carelessness. Putting them within an area reachable by pets or near ignitable objects will often result in disaster.
• Smoking: Despite the overall decrease in smoking across the country, it’s still an unquestionable fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration announced that 7,800 residential fires were caused by smoking in 2021. Dozing off while holding a cigarette or prematurely discarding smoldering ashes can cause destructive results.

The primary way to prevent house fires in Chattanooga is to avoid careless behavior. Always watch closely when cooking, don’t leave a candle unattended, and properly dispose of cigarettes. If you must run a space heater, do so in short intervals and get one that includes an automatic shut-off safety precaution in case it is knocked over.

Safeguard your home with a monitored fire alarm in Chattanooga

You ought to have smoke detectors on each floor and consider using more by bedrooms. But you can take your protection to a new level with a monitored fire alarm. These innovative safety features will not only recognize smoke but can also be tripped due to extreme heat. Additionally, because they integrate into your modern smart home, they’ll notify you and your monitoring representatives whenever an emergency takes place. This is a notable perk, especially when you’re not around to hear the alarm and call the fire department yourself.

Protect against known dangers with a Vivint smart home in Chattanooga

Enhance the protection of your property today with a Vivint smart home. You can personalize our systems with monitored fire alarms, CO detectors, and flood sensors. You’ll appreciate the instant updates to your cell phone and the 24-hour support that you enjoy with professional monitoring. Contact (423) 561-9767 to talk with a Vivint representative.