Top causes of residential fires in Madison and how to avoid them

There are a plethora of dangers you must keep in mind as a property owner. Fire is at the top of the list, as it can arise in any place and at any time. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated an incredible $8.9 billion in property damage across the United States because of residential fires in 2021. In the same year, there were in excess of 350,000 noted incidents. Luckily, there are actions you can take to stay clear of them. Investigate the causes and how to prevent house fires in Madison.

What starts residential fires in Madison?

Fires can start anywhere and without warning, whether ignited by a smoldering cigarette in a garbage can or an ignored stovetop. Here are the most common causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Incidents in the kitchen are the most frequent types of residential fires in Madison and all other areas. Neglected stovetops are the main origin, so always pay attention to that smoking skillet when cooking. It’s also worth nothing that drenching 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 can cause internal parts to wear out and ignite. Damaged cords and putting heaters next to flammable items like bed sheets or drapes will also lead to disaster. Other heating devices, such as fireplaces and furnaces, might cause fires and should be checked regularly.
• Electrical: Worn out wiring, malfunctioning outlets, and overwhelmed extension cords are several of the ways electrical problems lead to fires. If you discern burning smells, sparking, or flickering lights, get it inspected right away.
• Candles: If there's a flame, there's the potential for fire. Residential fires from candles are still all too common and often result from carelessness. Burning candles next to ignitable materials like drapes or having them within the reach of a curious pet will often result in disaster.
• Smoking: Despite the overall decline in smoking nationwide, it’s still an unquestionable fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration announced that 7,800 residential fires were caused by smoking in 2021. Nodding off while holding a cigarette or disposing of smoldering ashes carelessly can give rise to destructive results.

The best way to prevent house fires in Madison is to eliminate reckless behavior. Always watch closely when cooking, don’t ever leave a candle unattended, and discard cigarettes properly. If you have to use a space heater, do so infrequently and get one that has an automatic shut-off safety precaution in case it overturns.

Safeguard your home with a monitored fire alarm in Madison

You ought to have smoke detectors on every floor and more next to bedrooms. But you can take your protection a step further with a monitored fire alarm. These modern safety devices will not only discern smoke but can also be tripped due to rising heat. Furthermore, because they are part of your modern smart home, they’ll notify you and your monitoring representatives whenever an emergency strikes. This is a notable feature, specifically when you’re not around to hear the alarm and call the fire department yourself.

Safeguard your home against known dangers with a Vivint smart home in Madison

Upgrade the safety of your property today with a Vivint smart home. You can custom design our systems with monitored fire alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and water sensors. You’ll appreciate the instant notifications to your mobile device and the peace of mind that comes with professional monitoring. Place a call to (608) 470-6808 to talk with a Vivint representative.