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August 02, 2021

What Causes House Fires In Atlanta And Ways To Avert Them

When you’re a homeowner, one of the biggest threats to your property and family members is the potential for a fire. The U.S. Fire Administration projected in 2019 that American homeowners underwent nearly $1.6 billion in losses as the result of unforeseen or unattended fires. The terrible truth is fires are unexpected and are frequently preventable -- if you know where to act. And hopefully you are equipped with a monitored fire alarm that sends you emergency responders ASAP if you ever have an outbreak.

What Causes House Fires In Atlanta?

Fires can happen in any spot at any time in the house. However, you can lower the risk of a house fire if you take precautions around the following objects:

  • Stoves and Ovens: Cooking is overwhelmingly the number 1 cause of a house fire in Atlanta. Kitchen-related fires most often start when the kitchen is left ignored while cooking food. Water used on a grease fire can quickly escalate a flame that would on the other hand die out.

  • Candles: Nodding off in an area with a lit candle is dangerous, even when you use a recessed candle holder. The flame can blow and catch a curtain on fire if left on a window sill, and pets can topple candlesticks in their playing. The National Fire Protection Association projects that greater than 7,600 homes were damaged due to candle-related accidents between 2014-2018.

  • Electrical wires: Old electrical circuit interrupters, “tamper-resistant” electrical outlets, aging or improperly set up lighting, and cut lamp cords is a big risk. Be sure not to overload your outlets or plug any object in with exposed electrical components. If for any reason you hear crackling or detect smoke from the outlet, turn the breaker off before investigating.
  • Space Heaters: Avoid coiled space heaters because waste, like dust bunnies, old papers, or blankets can end up in and alight. However, you should also monitor fan and ceramic space heaters at all times when in operation.
  • Cigarettes: Just in 2014, U.S. fire departments fought blazes in more than 17,000 residence fires started by cigarettes, cigars, and pipes. If you enjoy tobacco who partakes inside, ensure they never fall asleep 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 Can Help When It Senses A Fire

If a fire does start, you have to have an early discovery system to alert your spouse and children before it's too late. An ordinary smoke alarm could suffice but is limited to alerting you if smoke is really billowing. An advanced fire alarm -- a security device that's connected to your home security system -- can sense both smoke and climbing heat and is better equipped to ensure everyone’s safety.

A monitored fire alarm has many means it can inform you of a fire. Your alarms can inform your family with a high-decibel tone and an alert to your smartphone. Then your always-on monitoring experts will contact the fire department. And if you're ever somewhere in which you can't get back in time when a fire starts, you can have peace of mind that your monitoring agent will facilitate communication between you and emergency personnel.

Utilize Monitored Fire Alarms From Secure24 Alarm Systems

The possibility of house fires in Atlanta should never be written off, but you can rest easier if you install a monitored fire alarm in your home. Contact Secure24 Alarm Systems, and we’ll help you get all the safety alarms you need with a comprehensive home security system. Call (404) 551-3078 or send in the form below to get your home security system.