Leading causes of residential fires in Port St. Lucie and how to avoid them

When you own a home, there are numerous risks to think about. Fire is at the top of the list, as it can arise in any place and at any time. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated an incredible $8.9 billion in property damage across the United States because of residential fires in 2021. That same year, there were over 350,000 noted fires. Thankfully, there are things you can do to stay clear of them. Learn more about the causes and how to prevent house fires in Port St. Lucie.

What starts residential fires in Port St. Lucie?

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

• Cooking: Flare-ups in the kitchen are the most widespread kinds of residential fires in Port St. Lucie and elsewhere. Neglected stovetops are the primary origin, so always pay attention to that hot skillet when making a meal. It’s also essential to note that dousing a grease fire with water will only make things worse.
• Heating: Area heaters are well established as a cause of residential fires. Running them for long amounts of time can result in internal elements degrading and sparking. Damaged cords and putting heaters next to flammable items like bed sheets or drapes can also lead to disaster. Other types of heating, such as furnaces and fireplaces, may cause fires and need to be checked periodically.
• Electrical: Old wiring, defective outlets, and overburdened extension cords are a few of the ways electrical problems result in fires. Never run an appliance with a damaged cord, and make sure combustible materials like paper aren’t placed on a lampshade, get it checked out promptly.
• Candles: Wherever there's a flame, there's the possibility of fire. Residential fires from candles are still commonplace and typically result from careless behavior. Using candles in close proximity to flammable items like drapes or having them within the domain of a rambunctious pet will often result in disaster.
• Smoking: Despite the overall decrease in smoking across the nation, it’s still a primary fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration announced that 7,800 residential fires were started by smoking in 2021. Falling asleep with a cigarette in hand or discarding smoldering ashes prematurely can bring about catastrophic results.

The best way to prevent house fires in Port St. Lucie is to steer clear of negligent behavior. Always watch closely when cooking, never leave a candle unattended, and properly discard cigarettes. If you need to use a space heater, do so sparingly and get one that has an automatic shut-off feature in the event it overturns.

Protect your family with a monitored fire alarm in Port St. Lucie

You ought to have smoke detectors on every floor and consider using more next to bedrooms. But you can take your safety to a new level with a monitored fire alarm. These modern safety features will not only recognize smoke but can also be tripped due to rising heat. Additionally, since they incorporate into your modern smart home, they’ll notify you and your monitoring representatives whenever a crisis takes place. This is a nice feature, specifically when you’re not home to hear the alarm and contact the fire department.

Protect against common threats with a Vivint smart home in Port St. Lucie

Elevate the safety of your property today with a Vivint smart home. You can customize our systems with monitored fire alarms, CO detectors, and flood sensors. You’ll appreciate the instant notifications to your smartphone and the reassurance that comes with professional monitoring. Dial (772) 257-4553 to talk with a Vivint representative.