Leading causes of residential fires in Gaithersburg and how to prevent them

When you own a home, there are numerous hazards to keep in mind. Fire is chief among them, as it can happen in various places and at any moment. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated an incredible $8.9 billion in property damage throughout the United States as a result of residential fires in 2021. That same year, there were more than 350,000 reported occurrences. Luckily, there are actions you can take to avoid them. Learn more about the causes and how to prevent house fires in Gaithersburg.

What sparks residential fires in Gaithersburg?

Fires can start in any location and without notice, whether sparked by a discarded cigarette in a waste container or a neglected stovetop. Here are the top causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Kitchen flare-ups are the most widespread sorts of residential fires in Gaithersburg and everywhere else. Ignored stovetops are the chief cause, so always watch that hot skillet when cooking. It’s also essential to note that dousing a grease fire with water will only make things worse.
• Heating: Space heaters are a well-known cause of residential fires. Running them for too long may result in internal parts breaking down and igniting. Damaged cords and situating heaters near combustible materials like bed sheets or window coverings may also lead to disastrous results. Other heating devices, such as HVAC systems and fireplaces, might cause fires and ought to be examined periodically.
• Electrical: Worn out wiring, malfunctioning outlets, and overwhelmed extension cords are some ways electrical issues result in fires. Whenever you notice burning smells, sparking, or flickering lights, get it checked out immediately.
• Candles: When there's a flame, there's the possibility of fire. Residential fires due to candles are still frequently reported and typically result from carelessness. Using candles too close to ignitable materials like drapery or having them within range of an inquisitive pet will often result in disaster.
• Smoking: In spite of the overall decrease in smoking across the nation, 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 with a cigarette in hand or prematurely disposing of smoldering ashes can cause devastating results.

The best way to prevent house fires in Gaithersburg is to eliminate careless behavior. Always keep an eye on things when cooking, never leave a candle unattended, and properly discard cigarettes. If you must use a space heater, do so in short intervals and invest in one that has an automatic shut-off safety precaution in the event it is knocked over.

Safeguard your home with a monitored fire alarm in Gaithersburg

You need to have smoke detectors on every floor and consider using more by bedrooms. But you can take your protection to another level with a monitored fire alarm. These beneficial safety devices will not only recognize smoke but can also trigger due to rising heat. In addition, considering they incorporate into your modern smart home, they’ll notify you and your monitoring professionals whenever a disaster strikes. This is a notable benefit, especially when you’re not there to hear the alarm and phone the fire department.

Protect against known risks with a Vivint smart home in Gaithersburg

Elevate the protection of your property today with a Vivint smart home. You may custom design our systems with monitored fire alarms, water sensors, and carbon monoxide detectors. You’ll be thankful for the instant alerts to your smartphone and the 24-hour support that comes with professional monitoring. Place a call to (301) 923-4670 to speak with a skilled Vivint professional.