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

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

There are numerous hazards you must keep in mind as a property owner. Fire is chief among them, as it can arise anywhere and anytime. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated an astounding $8.9 billion in property damage throughout the United States as a result of residential fires in 2021. In the same year, there were more than 350,000 recorded incidents. Thankfully, there are things you can do to stay clear of them. Learn more about the causes and how to prevent house fires in Jackson.

What causes residential fires in Jackson?

Fires can begin in any spot and without warning, whether ignited by a discarded cigarette in a trash can or an unattended stovetop. Here are the most common causes of residential fires.

  • Cooking: Kitchen flare-ups are the most common sorts of residential fires in Jackson and all other areas. Unattended stovetops are the primary culprit, so always watch that hot skillet when making dinner. It’s also essential to note that drenching a grease fire with water will only make things worse.
  • Heating: Portable heaters are a well-known cause of residential fires. Running them for too long might result in internal parts degrading and catching fire. Putting heaters next to flammable fabrics like bedding and curtains or using damaged cords will also lead to devastating results. Other heating devices, such as HVAC systems and fireplaces, could cause fires and ought to be checked periodically.
  • Electrical: Old wiring, faulty outlets, and overwhelmed extension cords are several of the ways electrical complications result in fires. Don’t ever operate an appliance with a tattered cord, and make certain ignitable materials like paper aren’t placed on a lampshade, get it inspected right away.
  • Candles: Whenever there's a flame, there's the possibility of fire. Residential fires due to candles are still commonplace and typically result from carelessness. Placing them within reach of pets or near ignitable items will often result in disaster.
  • Smoking: Even with the overall decrease in smoking across the nation, it’s still an unquestionable fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated that 7,800 residential fires were started by smoking in 2021. Dozing off with a cigarette still burning or prematurely throwing out smoldering ashes can bring about destructive results.

The most effective way to prevent house fires in Jackson is to be attentive at all times. Always keep an eye on things when cooking, don’t leave a candle unattended, and properly dispose of cigarettes. If you need to use a space heater, do so sparingly and use one that offers an automatic shut-off safety precaution in case it tips over.

Get help quickly with a monitored fire alarm in Jackson

You need to have smoke detectors on each floor and more by bedrooms. But you can take your home’s safety a step further with a monitored fire alarm. These innovative safety features will not only discern smoke but can also be triggered due to extreme heat. Furthermore, since they incorporate into your modern smart home, they’ll warn you and your monitoring professionals whenever a disaster strikes. This is a nice perk, especially when you’re not there to hear the alarm and phone the fire department yourself.

Safeguard your home against various dangers with a Vivint smart home in Jackson

Elevate the protection of your property today with a Vivint smart home. You may personalize our systems with monitored fire alarms, water sensors, and carbon monoxide detectors. You’ll appreciate the instant alerts to your cell phone and the 24-hour support that you enjoy with professional monitoring. Contact (601) 607-9990 to speak with a skilled Vivint professional.