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August 02, 2021

What Causes House Fires In Virginia Beach And Ways To Avert Them

When you own a home, one of the biggest dangers to your home and family is the risk of fire. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated in 2019 that American homeowners took on approximately $1.6 billion in damages by means of unforeseen or careless fires. Unfortunately, fires are sudden and are often stoppable -- with a little knowledge of where to look. And, luckily, you have a monitored fire alarm that gets you emergency responders ASAP should you undergo an incident.

What Causes House Fires In Virginia Beach?

Fires may start in nearly any place without notice in the home. However, you may reduce the threat of a house fire by taking safety measures around the following objects:

  • Stoves and Ovens: Cooking is far and away the leading cause of a house fire in Virginia Beach. Cooking-related flames commonly start when the kitchen goes unattended during meal preparation. Water thrown on a grease fire will spread a flame that would alternatively be contained.

  • Candles: Going to sleep in a space with a going candle is dangerous, even when you use a high-sided candle holder. The flame can blow and catch a curtain ablaze if left near a window, and a dog or cat can knock candles over. The National Fire Protection Association estimates that more than 7,600 houses were damaged due to candle-related accidents between 2014-2018.

  • Electrical wires: Corroded electrical circuit interrupters, “tamper-resistant” electrical outlets, aging or incorrectly installed lighting, and cut lamp cords is a big risk. Be sure not to overburden your outlets or plug any object in with bare wires. And if you hear crackling or smell smoke from the outlet, turn the breaker off prior to your investigation.
  • Space Heaters: Skip over coiled space heaters because waste, like pet fur, paper or plastic scraps, or bed sheets can end up in and catch fire. However, you need to make sure to check on fan and ceramic space heaters for the entire duration of operation.
  • Cigarettes: Solely in 2014, U.S. fire departments responded to more than 17,000 home fires caused by smoking paraphernalia. If you have tobacco products that smokes indoors, be certain they never pass out with a cigarette or smoke in bed. And fully extinguish your tobacco items prior to placing it into a garbage can.

A Monitored Smoke Detector Will Can Helps When There’s A Fire

If a fire does break out, you definitely want to have a speedy discovery system to notify your spouse and children before it gets serious. An ordinary smoke alarm is adequate but is only able to alert you if smoke is really billowing. An advanced fire alarm -- a security device that's connected to your home security network -- can sense both smoke and excess heat and is better equipped to ensure everyone is safe.

A monitored fire alarm has many methods by which it can warn you of a fire. Your alarms will notify you with an incredibly loud alarm and a message to your smartphone. Then your always-on monitoring experts gets a hold of the fire department. And if you find yourself somewhere in which you’re unable to get back in time when a fire breaks out, you can have peace of mind that your monitoring agent will maintain contact between you and first responders.

Utilize Monitored Fire Alarms From Secure24 Alarm Systems

The possibility of house fires in Virginia Beach should never be written off, but you can rest easier if you install a monitored fire alarm on the premises. Contact Secure24 Alarm Systems, and we’ll help you install all the smoke sensors you need with a comprehensive home security system. Call (757) 241-4673 or submit the form below to begin.