Leading causes of residential fires in Nashville and how to avoid them

When you own a home, there are numerous threats to consider. Fire is chief among them, as it can happen anywhere and anytime. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated an incredible $8.9 billion in property damage across the United States due to residential fires in 2021. Also during this year, there were more than 350,000 recorded occurrences. Luckily, there are actions you can take to stay clear of them. Take a look at the causes and how to prevent house fires in Nashville.

What causes residential fires in Nashville?

Fires can sprout up anywhere and without notice, whether ignited by a smoldering cigarette in a garbage can or an ignored stovetop. Here are the top causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Kitchen flare-ups are the most frequent types of residential fires in Nashville and all other areas. Neglected stovetops are the main source, so always pay attention to that smoking skillet when making a meal. It’s also worth nothing that soaking a grease fire with water will only worsen the situation.
• Heating: Space heaters are a well-known cause of residential fires. Running them for too long might result in internal parts wearing down and sparking. Frayed cords and placing heaters by flammable materials like bed sheets or window coverings will also lead to disastrous results. Other heating elements, such as HVAC systems and fireplaces, could cause fires and need to be examined frequently.
• Electrical: Outdated wiring, defective outlets, and overwhelmed extension cords are some ways electrical problems lead to fires. Don’t ever operate an appliance with a tattered cord, and ensure combustible materials like paper aren’t placed on a lampshade, get it inspected promptly.
• Candles: When there's a flame, there's the potential for fire. Residential fires from candles are still all too common and usually result from people being careless. Burning candles next to flammable materials like drapery or keeping them within the domain of an inquisitive pet will often result in disaster.
• Smoking: Even with the overall decrease in smoking across the country, it’s still an undeniable fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated that 7,800 residential fires were caused by smoking in 2021. Falling asleep with a cigarette in hand or disposing of smoldering ashes prematurely can give rise to catastrophic results.

The most effective way to prevent house fires in Nashville is to be attentive at all times. Always watch closely when cooking, never leave a candle unattended, and properly dispose of cigarettes. If you must operate a space heater, do so in short intervals and get one that includes an automatic shut-off switch in the event it tips over.

Safeguard your home with a monitored fire alarm in Nashville

You should have smoke detectors on every floor and more next to bedrooms. But you can take your safety a step further with a monitored fire alarm. These modern safety devices will not only detect smoke but can also be triggered due to rising heat. Additionally, because they integrate into your modern smart home, they’ll alert you and your monitoring specialists whenever a crisis takes place. This is a nice perk, specifically when you’re not home to hear the alarm and contact the fire department yourself.

Protect against various risks with a Vivint smart home in Nashville

Upgrade the protection of your household today with a Vivint smart home. You can custom design our systems with monitored fire alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and water sensors. You’ll be appreciative of the instant alerts to your mobile device and the reassurance that you get with professional monitoring. Place a call to (615) 908-3403 to speak with a skilled Vivint professional.