Common causes of residential fires in Virginia Beach and how to prevent them

When you own a home, there are a wide range of threats to think about. Fire is chief among them, as it can happen anywhere and at any time. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated a stunning $8.9 billion in property damage in the United States because of residential fires in 2021. That same year, there were more than 350,000 recorded occurrences. Thankfully, there are things you can do to keep them from happening|. Learn more about the causes and how to prevent house fires in Virginia Beach.

What starts residential fires in Virginia Beach?

Fires can sprout up in any location and without notice, whether sparked by a smoldering cigarette in a trash can or an ignored stovetop. Here are the most common causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Kitchen flare-ups are the most frequent sorts of residential fires in Virginia Beach and everywhere else. Unattended stovetops are the main origin, so always keep an eye on that scorching skillet when making dinner. It’s also important to note that soaking a grease fire with water will only make things worse.
• Heating: Area heaters are well known for causing residential fires. Operating them for extended amounts of time can cause inner pieces to degrade and catch fire. Placing heaters by combustible materials like bed sheets and drapery or using damaged cords may also lead to disaster. Other heating elements, such as HVAC systems and fireplaces, could cause fires and should be checked frequently.
• Electrical: Worn out wiring, malfunctioning outlets, and overburdened extension cords are some ways electrical complications result in fires. Never operate an appliance with a frayed cord, and ensure combustible materials like paper aren’t layed on top of a lampshade, get it inspected right away.
• Candles: When there's a flame, there's the potential for fire. Residential fires due to candles are still commonplace and often result from careless behavior. Using candles too close to ignitable materials like drapery or having them within the reach of an inquisitive pet will lead to disaster.
• Smoking: Despite the overall decrease in smoking across the nation, it’s still a primary fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated that 7,800 residential fires were caused by smoking in 2021. Falling asleep with a cigarette in hand or throwing out smoldering ashes prematurely can cause catastrophic results.

The best way to prevent house fires in Virginia Beach is to steer clear of reckless behavior. Always pay attention when cooking, don’t ever leave a candle burning, and dispose of cigarettes properly. If you must operate a space heater, do so infrequently and use one that includes an automatic shut-off safety precaution in case it is knocked over.

Protect your family with a monitored fire alarm in Virginia Beach

You should have smoke detectors on each floor and consider using more by sleeping quarters. But you can take your safety a step further with a monitored fire alarm. These modern safety features will not only detect smoke but can also trigger due to elevated heat levels. Additionally, considering they incorporate into your modern smart home, they’ll notify you and your monitoring professionals whenever a disaster occurs. This is a nice benefit, particularly when you’re not there to hear the alarm and call the fire department yourself.

Defend against various risks with a Vivint smart home in Virginia Beach

Upgrade the protection of your household today with a Vivint smart home. You may personalize our systems with monitored fire alarms, CO detectors, and flood sensors. You’ll be thankful for the instant notifications to your cell phone and the 24-hour support that you enjoy with professional monitoring. Dial (757) 294-8561 to talk with a Vivint representative.