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

When you own a home, there are a wide range of hazards to consider. Fire is foremost among them, as it can arise in various places and at any time. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated a stunning $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 reported fires. Luckily, there are actions you can take to keep them from taking place|. Investigate the causes and how to prevent house fires in Memphis.

What causes residential fires in Memphis?

Fires can begin anywhere and without warning, whether sparked by a discarded cigarette in a garbage can or a neglected stovetop. Here are the most common causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Flare-ups in the kitchen are the most widespread sorts of residential fires in Memphis and everywhere else. Unattended stovetops are the chief culprit, so always watch that smoking skillet when making a meal. It’s also important to note that soaking a grease fire with water will only worsen the situation.
• Heating: Space heaters are well established as a cause of residential fires. Operating them for long periods might cause internal parts to wear out and catch fire. Situating heaters by combustible fabrics like bedding and drapery or using frayed cords can also lead to disaster. Other heating devices, such as furnaces and fireplaces, might cause fires and need to be examined regularly.
• Electrical: Worn out wiring, malfunctioning outlets, and overloaded extension cords are some ways electrical problems cause fires. Never run an appliance with a frayed cord, and make certain combustible objects like paper aren’t put on top of a lampshade, get it checked out immediately.
• Candles: When there's a flame, there's the potential for fire. Residential fires caused by candles are still frequently reported and often result from people being careless. Burning candles in close proximity to ignitable materials like drapery or keeping them within the domain of an inquisitive pet will lead to disaster.
• Smoking: Despite the overall reduction in smoking across the country, it’s still an undeniable fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated that 7,800 residential fires were a result of smoking in 2021. Nodding off while holding a cigarette or prematurely disposing of smoldering ashes can give rise to catastrophic results.

The best way to prevent house fires in Memphis is to eliminate reckless behavior. Always pay attention when cooking, never leave a candle unattended, and properly discard cigarettes. If you must operate a space heater, do so sparingly and get one that includes an automatic shut-off safety precaution in case it tips over.

Get help quickly with a monitored fire alarm in Memphis

You need to have smoke detectors on all floors and think about installing more by bedrooms. But you can take your protection to another level with a monitored fire alarm. These modern safety components will not only detect smoke but can also trigger due to elevated heat levels. In addition, since they integrate into your modern smart home, they’ll notify you and your monitoring professionals whenever an emergency strikes. This is a notable benefit, particularly when you’re not home to hear the alarm and phone the fire department yourself.

Defend against common risks with a Vivint smart home in Memphis

Upgrade the safety of your property today with a Vivint smart home. You may customize our systems with monitored fire alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and water sensors. You’ll be thankful for the instant updates to your mobile device and the 24-hour support that comes with professional monitoring. Place a call to (901) 763-6618 to get started.