What Causes House Fires In Birmingham

As a homeowner, one of the most menacing threats to your property and family members is the risk of fire. The U.S. Fire Administration projected in 2019 that American homeowners suffered nearly $1.6 billion in costs due to accidental or careless fires. Sadly, fires are sudden and many times preventable -- if you know where to start. And, fortunately, you have a monitored fire alarm that sends you aid immediately if you experience an outbreak.

What Causes House Fires In Birmingham?

Fires may start anywhere with no warning on the premises. However, you can lower the threat of fire if you take safety measures around the following household objects:

• Stoves and Ovens: Cooking is overwhelmingly the number 1 cause of a house fire in Birmingham. Cooking-related fires commonly start when the kitchen is left unattended during meal preparation. Water used on a grease fire only works to escalate a flame that would otherwise be contained.
  
  
• Candles: Nodding off in an area with a lit candle is dangerous, even when you use a high-sided candle holder. The flame can blow and catch a curtain on fire if left on a window sill, and pets can bump into candles while exploring. The National Fire Protection Association projects that just over 7,600 homes were damaged because of candle-related accidents between 2014-2018.
  
  
• Electrical wires: Corroded electrical circuit interrupters, “tamper-resistant” electrical outlets, degrading or improperly set up lighting, and cut lamp cords is a big risk. Don't overwhelm your outlets or plug anything in with uncovered electrical components. On the off chance you hear crackling or catch a whiff of smoke from the outlet, power down the breaker off before investigating.

• Space Heaters: Avoid coiled space heaters because debris, like dust bunnies, paper or plastic scraps, or blankets can end up in and alight. However, you need to make sure to monitor fan and ceramic space heaters whenever the device is in operation.

• Cigarettes: Solely in 2014, U.S. fire departments responded to more than 17,000 house fires started by cigarettes, cigars, and pipes. If you enjoy tobacco who partakes inside, make sure they never pass out with a cigarette or lay in bed with one. And fully put out your paraphernalia before you throw it into a trash can.

A Monitored Smoke Detector Does Help When There’s A Fire

If a fire should spark, you definitely want to have a speedy discovery system to inform your spouse and children before it gets serious. A common smoke alarm might be sufficient but can only alert you if smoke is really billowing. A cutting-edge fire alarm -- a piece of equipment that's pair with your home security devices -- can detect both smoke and climbing heat and can do more to ensure everyone is safe.

A monitored fire alarm has many it can warn you of smoke. Your alarms can alert your loved ones with an ear-piercing alarm and a message to your smartphone. That’s when your ever-vigilant monitoring experts will contact the fire department. And if you're ever somewhere where you aren’t able to speed you your house when a fire breaks out, you can have peace of mind that your monitoring agent can help coordinate communication between you and first responders.

Protect Your Home With Monitored Fire Alarms From Secure24 Alarm Systems

The chance of house fires in Birmingham should never be discounted, but you can have peace of mind if you install a monitored fire alarm on hand. Contact Secure24 Alarm Systems, and we’ll help you install all the fire detectors you need with a cutting-edge home security system. Call (205) 203-0526 or submit the form below to begin.