What Causes House Fires In Philadelphia
As a homeowner, one of the scariest threats to your house 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 as the result of unintentional or unattended fires. Sadly, fires are unpredictable and are frequently preventable -- with a little knowledge of where to look. And, fortunately, you have a monitored fire alarm that gets you emergency responders ASAP should you undergo an emergency.
What Causes House Fires In Philadelphia?
Fires can happen in nearly any place without notice on the premises. However, you can lower the threat of fire by taking safety measures around the following items:
- Stoves and Ovens: Cooking is overwhelmingly the number 1 cause of a house fire in Philadelphia. Kitchen-related flames most often start when the kitchen is left ignored while cooking food. Water used on a grease fire can quickly expand a flame that would otherwise be contained.
- Candles: Going to sleep in an area with a lit candle is problematic, even if you’re using a recessed candle holder. The flame is more than capable of catching a curtain on fire if left near a window, and animals can knock candles over. The National Fire Protection Association projects that just over 7,600 houses were damaged due to candle-related accidents between 2014-2018.
- Electrical wires: Faulty electrical circuit interrupters, “tamper-resistant” electrical outlets, aging or incorrectly installed lighting, and split lamp cords is a big risk. Be careful not to overload your outlets or plug an item in with exposed wiring. And if you hear crackling or smell smoke from the outlet, flip the breaker off prior to investigating.
- Space Heaters: Look past coiled space heaters because junk, like pet fur, paper, or bed sheets can end up in and alight. However, you need to make sure to check on fan and ceramic space heaters at all times when in use.
- Cigarettes: Just in 2014, U.S. fire departments responded to more than 17,000 residence fires caused by cigarettes, cigars, and pipes. If you enjoy tobacco that smokes indoors, be certain they never pass out with a cigarette or smoke in bed. And fully put out your tobacco items before you throw it into a garbage can.
A Monitored Smoke Detector Will Help When You Have A Fire
If a fire does start, you have to have a speedy detection system to inform your loved ones before it gets serious. A common smoke alarm might be sufficient but can only alert you if smoke is abundant. A cutting-edge fire alarm -- a piece of equipment that's pair with your home security devices -- can detect both smoke and climbing heat and is better equipped to ensure everyone is safe.
A monitored fire alarm has multiple ways it can alert you of rising heat. Your alarms will notify your family with a high-decibel alarm and a message to your mobile device. All the while, your always-on monitoring experts gets a hold of the fire department. And should you be somewhere where you aren’t able to race home when a fire blazes, you can have peace of mind that your monitoring agent will facilitate contact between you and first responders.
Utilize Monitored Fire Alarms From Secure24 Alarm Systems
The odds of house fires in Philadelphia should never be written off, but you can rest easier if you have a monitored fire alarm in your home. Contact Secure24 Alarm Systems, and we’ll help you install all the smoke sensors you need with a state-of-the-art home security system. Call (215) 798-2927 or fill out the form below to get started.