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Leading causes of residential fires in Johnson City and how to avoid them

September 25, 2023
Man surprised by smoke pouring out of oven

There are numerous risks you must consider as a homeowner. Fire is at the top of the list, as it can happen in various places and at any moment. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated a stunning $8.9 billion in property damage throughout the United States as a result of residential fires in 2021. In the same year, there were over 350,000 reported incidents. Luckily, there are actions you can take to stay clear of them. Learn more about the causes and how to prevent house fires in Johnson City.

What causes residential fires in Johnson City?

Fires can begin anywhere and without notice, whether caused by a smoldering cigarette in a trash can or an ignored stovetop. Here are the most common causes of residential fires.

  • Cooking: Flare-ups in the kitchen are the most common sorts of residential fires in Johnson City and elsewhere. Neglected stovetops are the primary cause, so always keep an eye on that smoking skillet when cooking. It’s also important to note that soaking a grease fire with water will only make things worse.
  • Heating: Area heaters are a well-known cause of residential fires. Running them for too long might result in inner components wearing down and sparking. Putting heaters next to combustible objects like bedding and drapes or using worn cords can also lead to disastrous results. Other heating elements, such as furnaces and fireplaces, might cause fires and ought to be inspected frequently.
  • Electrical: Worn out wiring, faulty outlets, and overwhelmed extension cords are a few of the ways electrical problems cause fires. If you notice burning smells, sparking, or flickering lights, get it investigated right away.
  • Candles: If there's a flame, there's the possibility of fire. Residential fires from candles are still commonplace and often result from people being careless. Placing candles next to ignitable items like drapery or having them within the reach of a curious pet will often result in disaster.
  • Smoking: Even with the overall decline in smoking across the nation, it’s still an undeniable fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated that 7,800 residential fires were started by smoking in 2021. Nodding off with a cigarette still burning or throwing out smoldering ashes too soon can give rise to devastating results.

The best way to prevent house fires in Johnson City is to be diligent at all times. Always pay attention when cooking, don’t ever leave a candle burning unattended, and properly discard cigarettes. If you must operate a space heater, do so infrequently and get one that offers an automatic shut-off safety precaution in case it is knocked over.

Protect your family with a monitored fire alarm in Johnson City

You need to have smoke detectors on all floors and think about installing more near sleeping areas. But you can take your safety to a new level with a monitored fire alarm. These innovative safety features will not only discern smoke but can also trigger due to elevated heat levels. Additionally, because they are part of your modern smart home, they’ll warn you and your monitoring professionals whenever an emergency strikes. This is a notable feature, specifically when you’re not there to hear the alarm and call the fire department yourself.

Safeguard your home against common risks with a Vivint smart home in Johnson City

Elevate the safety of your household today with a Vivint smart home. You may custom design our systems with monitored fire alarms, CO detectors, and flood sensors. You’ll appreciate the instant notifications to your mobile device and the 24-hour support that you enjoy with professional monitoring. Contact (423) 537-4338 to talk with a Vivint representative.