Vivint Authorized Retailer Pensacola
Smart Security Specialists -- Your Vivint Authorized Dealer Covering Pensacola, Destin, Panama City, & Surrounding Areas

Common causes of residential fires in Pensacola and how to prevent them

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

There are a plethora of hazards you need to think about as a homeowner. Fire is at the top of the list, as it can happen in various places and anytime. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated an incredible $8.9 billion in property damage across the United States as a result of residential fires in 2021. That same year, there were more than 350,000 noted occurrences. Fortunately, there are things you can do to keep them from taking place|. Learn more about the causes and how to prevent house fires in Pensacola.

What sparks residential fires in Pensacola?

Fires can sprout up in any spot and without warning, whether ignited by a burning cigarette in a garbage can or a neglected stovetop. Here are the leading causes of residential fires.

  • Cooking: Incidents in the kitchen are the most common types of residential fires in Pensacola and elsewhere. Unattended stovetops are the chief cause, so always keep an eye on that scorching skillet when making a meal. It’s also worth nothing 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 extended time periods might cause internal components to degrade and catch fire. Situating heaters by flammable objects like bed sheets and drapes or using frayed cords may also lead to disastrous results. Other heating elements, such as fireplaces and furnaces, may cause fires and should be inspected regularly.
  • Electrical: Outdated wiring, defective outlets, and overwhelmed extension cords are a few of the ways electrical issues cause fires. Whenever you detect flickering lights, sparking from an outlet, or odd odors, get it inspected right away.
  • Candles: Wherever there's a flame, there's the possibility of fire. Residential fires due to candles are still commonplace and often result from people being careless. Using candles too close to flammable items like drapery or leaving them within range of a rambunctious pet will lead to disaster.
  • Smoking: In spite of the overall decline in smoking across the nation, it’s still a primary 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 still burning or prematurely disposing of smoldering ashes can cause catastrophic results.

The primary way to prevent house fires in Pensacola is to be careful at all times. Always keep an eye on things when cooking, never leave a candle burning unattended, and properly dispose of cigarettes. If you need to run a space heater, do so in short intervals and get one that offers an automatic shut-off switch in case it is knocked over.

Safeguard your home with a monitored fire alarm in Pensacola

You ought to have smoke detectors on each floor and consider using more next to bedrooms. But you can take your home’s safety a step further with a monitored fire alarm. These innovative safety components will not only recognize smoke but can also trigger due to elevated heat levels. Furthermore, since they incorporate into your modern smart home, they’ll alert you and your monitoring specialists whenever a crisis occurs. This is a nice perk, specifically when you’re not there to hear the alarm and phone the fire department yourself.

Protect against various dangers with a Vivint smart home in Pensacola

Upgrade the protection of your residence today with a Vivint smart home. You may customize our systems with monitored fire alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and water sensors. You’ll be thankful for the instant notifications to your mobile device and the reassurance that you get with professional monitoring. Dial (850) 790-5902 to talk with a Vivint representative.