What Causes House Fires In Charleston And How To Avert Them
When you’re a homeowner, one of the most menacing perils to your house and family is the chance of fire. The U.S. Fire Administration calculated in 2019 that American homeowners took on approximately $1.6 billion in costs by means of unintentional or negligent fires. Unfortunately, fires are unpredictable and many times preventable -- with a little knowledge of where to look. And, fortunately, you have a monitored fire alarm that gets you help fast should you experience an emergency.
What Causes House Fires In Charleston?
Fires can spark anywhere without notice on the premises. However, you can lessen the threat of fire by taking safety measures around the following items:
- Stoves and Ovens: Cooking is far and away the leading cause of a house fire in Charleston. Kitchen-related fires typically begin when the kitchen goes ignored during meal preparation. Water used on a grease fire only works to escalate a flame that would alternatively die out.
- Candles: Passing out in an area with a lit candle is dangerous, even when you use a recessed candle holder. The flame can blow and catch a curtain ablaze if left on a window sill, and a dog or cat can knock candles over. The National Fire Protection Association approximates that greater than 7,600 properties were damaged due to candle-related incidents between 2014-2018.
- Electrical wires: Old electrical circuit interrupters, “tamper-resistant” electrical outlets, aging or improperly installed lighting, and split lamp cords is a big risk. Be sure not to overburden your outlets or plug an item in with exposed wires. If for any reason you hear crackling or smell smoke from the outlet, power down the breaker off prior to investigating.
- Space Heaters: Skip over coiled space heaters because junk, like pet fur, old papers, or bed sheets can find their way in and spark up. However, you should also check on fan and ceramic space heaters at all times when in usage.
- Cigarettes: Just in 2014, U.S. fire departments responded to more than 17,000 home fires started by smoking paraphernalia. So if you have a smoker that smokes indoors, make sure they never pass out with a cigarette or lay in bed with one. And fully put out your tobacco items before you toss it into a waste bin.
A Monitored Smoke Detector Will Help When It Senses A Fire
If a fire happens to spark, you have to have a speedy warning system to inform your loved ones before it's too late. A traditional smoke alarm might be sufficient but can only alert you if smoke is really billowing. A cutting-edge fire alarm -- a security device that's pair with your home security devices -- can sense both smoke and excess heat and can do more to ensure everyone’s safety.
A monitored fire alarm has many it can inform you of rising heat. Your alarms will notify your family with an incredibly loud tone and a message to your smartphone. That’s when your always-on monitoring experts gets a hold of the fire department. And if you're ever somewhere in which you’re unable to speed you your house when a fire blazes, you can rest assured that your monitoring agent will facilitate contact between you and the fire department.
Utilize Monitored Fire Alarms From Secure24 Alarm Systems
The chance of house fires in Charleston should never be underestimated, but you can rest assured if you install a monitored fire alarm on the premises. Contact Secure24 Alarm Systems, and we’ll help you place all the fire alarms you need with a comprehensive home security system. Call (843) 305-8663 or submit the form below to get started.