Top causes of residential fires in Fort Lauderdale and how to prevent them

When you own a home, there are numerous hazards to think about. Fire is at the top of the list, as it can arise in any place and at any moment. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated an astounding $8.9 billion in property damage throughout the United States because of residential fires in 2021. In the same year, there were in excess of 350,000 noted fires. Thankfully, there are things you can do to keep them from taking place|. Learn more about the causes and how to prevent house fires in Fort Lauderdale.

What causes residential fires in Fort Lauderdale?

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

• Cooking: Kitchen flare-ups are the most frequent sorts of residential fires in Fort Lauderdale and everywhere else. Unattended stovetops are the main cause, so always watch that hot skillet when cooking. It’s also worth nothing that throwing water on a grease fire will only make things worse.
• Heating: Portable heaters are well known for causing residential fires. Using them for extended periods might cause inner components to degrade and spark. Frayed cords and placing heaters near flammable objects like bedding or drapes will also lead to disastrous results. Other heating elements, such as fireplaces and furnaces, may cause fires and need to be inspected regularly.
• Electrical: Worn out wiring, malfunctioning outlets, and overburdened extension cords are several of the ways electrical complications lead to fires. Never run an appliance with a tattered cord, and make certain ignitable substances like paper aren’t placed on a lampshade, get it investigated right away.
• Candles: If there's a flame, there's the possibility of fire. Residential fires due to candles are still all too common and usually result from carelessness. Burning candles too close to flammable objects like drapes or leaving them within the domain 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 caused by smoking in 2021. Falling asleep with a cigarette still burning or throwing out smoldering ashes prematurely can bring about destructive results.

The most effective way to prevent house fires in Fort Lauderdale is to be diligent at all times. Always watch closely when cooking, don’t ever leave a candle burning unattended, and properly get rid of cigarettes. If you have to run a space heater, do so infrequently and use one that includes an automatic shut-off safety precaution in the event it tips over.

Get help quickly with a monitored fire alarm in Fort Lauderdale

You should have smoke detectors on all floors and think about installing more next to bedrooms. But you can take your protection to a new level with a monitored fire alarm. These innovative safety features will not only detect smoke but can also be tripped due to elevated heat levels. Additionally, considering they integrate into your modern smart home, they’ll alert you and your monitoring specialists whenever a crisis strikes. This is a worthwhile perk, specifically when you’re not around to hear the alarm and call the fire department yourself.

Safeguard your home against various threats with a Vivint smart home in Fort Lauderdale

Elevate the safety of your residence today with a Vivint smart home. You can custom design our systems with monitored fire alarms, CO detectors, and flood sensors. You’ll be appreciative of the instant updates to your mobile device and the 24-hour support that you enjoy with professional monitoring. Contact (954) 287-0437 to talk with a Vivint representative.