ADT® Authorized Dealer Serving Decatur & All Northwest Alabama
mother/daughter at bedtime with smoke sensor
August 02, 2021

What Causes House Fires In Decatur And How To Avoid Them

When you’re a homeowner, one of the most menacing dangers to your property and family members is the risk of fire. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated in 2019 that American homeowners underwent approximately $1.6 billion in damages by means of accidental or unattended fires. Unfortunately, fires are sudden and are frequently stoppable -- with a little knowledge of where to start. And, luckily, you are ready with a monitored fire alarm that gets you help fast if you experience an emergency.

What Causes House Fires In Decatur?

Fires can happen in nearly any place at any time in the house. However, you may reduce the threat of a house fire by taking countermeasures around the following items:

  • Stoves and Ovens: Cooking is overwhelmingly the number 1 cause of a house fire in Decatur. Kitchen-related blazes commonly start when the kitchen goes ignored while cooking food. Water thrown on a grease fire will escalate a flame that would on the other hand be contained.

  • Candles: Going to sleep in a space with a burning candle is risky, even if you’re using a recessed candle holder. The flame is more than capable of catching a curtain ablaze if left near a window, and a dog or cat can knock candles over. The National Fire Protection Association estimates that greater than 7,600 properties were damaged because of candle-related fires between 2014-2018.

  • Electrical wires: Old electrical circuit interrupters, “tamper-resistant” electrical outlets, degrading or poorly installed lighting, and frayed lamp cords is a big risk. Be careful not to overload your outlets or plug anything in with exposed electrical components. And if you hear crackling or detect smoke from the outlet, flip the breaker off ahead of investigating.
  • Space Heaters: Look past coiled space heaters because debris, like pet fur, paper or plastic scraps, or blankets can accidentally make contact and spark up. However, you need to make sure to monitor fan and ceramic space heaters whenever the device is in use.
  • Cigarettes: Just in 2014, U.S. fire departments came to more than 17,000 home fires triggered by smoking paraphernalia. If you have tobacco products that smokes indoors, be certain they never pass out with a cigarette or lay in bed with one. And fully put out your cigarette before you throw it into a garbage can.

A Monitored Smoke Detector Will Help When It Senses A Fire

If a fire happens to break out, you will need to have an early detection system to inform your spouse and children before it gets serious. An ordinary smoke alarm might be sufficient but can only alert you if smoke is really billowing. An advanced fire alarm -- a security device that's pair with your home security devices -- can discover both smoke and climbing heat and is better equipped to make sure your family is safe.

A monitored fire alarm has many it can alert you of smoke. Your alarms can inform you with an incredibly loud tone and a notification to your cell phone. Then your 24/7 monitoring experts will contact the fire department. And if you're ever somewhere in which you’re unable to race home when a fire blazes, you can be reassured that your monitoring agent will facilitate communication between you and emergency personnel.

Utilize Monitored Fire Alarms From Secure24 Alarm Systems

The odds of house fires in Decatur should never be underestimated, but you can have peace of mind if you have a monitored fire alarm on hand. Contact Secure24 Alarm Systems, and we’ll help you install all the smoke detectors you need with a state-of-the-art home security system. Call (256) 246-8823 or submit the form below to get started.