Leading causes of residential fires in Ocala and how to prevent them

When you own a home, there are many hazards to consider. Fire is at the top of the list, as it can arise in various places and anytime. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated an incredible $8.9 billion in property damage in the United States due to residential fires in 2021. That same year, there were over 350,000 recorded fires. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to stay clear of them. Investigate the causes and how to prevent house fires in Ocala.

What causes residential fires in Ocala?

Fires can start in any location and without notice, whether caused by a discarded cigarette in a trash can or an unattended stovetop. Here are the leading causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Kitchen flare-ups are the most common kinds of residential fires in Ocala and everywhere else. Ignored stovetops are the main culprit, so always keep an eye on that hot skillet when making dinner. It’s also essential to note that putting water on a grease fire will only worsen the situation.
• Heating: Area heaters are a well-known cause of residential fires. Using them for extended amounts of time may result in internal parts wearing down and igniting. Putting heaters by combustible fabrics like blankets and curtains or using frayed cords will also lead to devastating results. Other heating devices, such as fireplaces and furnaces, may cause fires and should be checked frequently.
• Electrical: Worn out wiring, defective outlets, and overwhelmed extension cords are a few of the ways electrical problems lead to fires. Never operate an appliance with a tattered cord, and make certain ignitable substances like paper aren’t placed on a lampshade, get it inspected immediately.
• Candles: Wherever there's a flame, there's the potential for fire. Residential fires due to candles are still frequently reported and usually result from carelessness. Situating them within an area reachable by pets or near ignitable items will lead to disaster.
• Smoking: Even with the overall reduction in smoking across the nation, it’s still an unquestionable 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 prematurely disposing of smoldering ashes can give rise to destructive results.

The best way to prevent house fires in Ocala is to be attentive at all times. Always keep an eye on things when cooking, don’t ever leave a candle burning, and properly get rid of cigarettes. If you need to use a space heater, do so sparingly and use one that has an automatic shut-off feature in case it tips over.

Protect your family with a monitored fire alarm in Ocala

You need to have smoke detectors on every floor and more by sleeping areas. But you can take your home’s safety a step further with a monitored fire alarm. These modern safety components will not only detect smoke but can also trigger due to extreme heat. Additionally, because they are part of your modern smart home, they’ll alert you and your monitoring representatives whenever a crisis takes place. This is a notable feature, particularly when you’re not there to hear the alarm and contact the fire department yourself.

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

Upgrade the protection of your residence today with a Vivint smart home. You can custom design our systems with monitored fire alarms, water sensors, and carbon monoxide detectors. You’ll appreciate the instant updates to your cell phone and the reassurance that you enjoy with professional monitoring. Contact (352) 922-3678 to speak with a skilled Vivint professional.