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August 02, 2021

What Causes House Fires In Tampa And Methods To Prevent Them

When you’re a homeowner, one of the most menacing perils to your property and family members is the potential for a fire. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated in 2019 that American homeowners took on nearly $1.6 billion in costs due to unforeseen or unattended fires. The terrible truth is fires are unpredictable and many times preventable -- with a little knowledge of where to act. And, luckily, you have a monitored fire alarm that gets you help fast should you undergo an incident.

What Causes House Fires In Tampa?

Fires may start in nearly any place at any time on the premises. However, you may reduce the threat of a house fire if you take precautions around the following items:

  • Stoves and Ovens: Cooking is far and away the leading cause of a house fire in Tampa. Cooking-related flames typically begin when the kitchen is left neglected during meal preparation. Water tossed on a grease fire can quickly expand a flame that would otherwise be contained.

  • Candles: Passing out in a space with a going candle is problematic, even when you use a high-sided candle holder. The flame can blow and catch a curtain on fire if left near a window, and a dog or cat can bump into candles while exploring. The National Fire Protection Association approximates that more than 7,600 properties were damaged because of candle-related incidents between 2014-2018.

  • Electrical wires: Corroded electrical circuit interrupters, “tamper-resistant” electrical outlets, aging or incorrectly set up lighting, and cut lamp cords can all cause a fire. Don't overburden your outlets or plug anything in with exposed wiring. On the off chance you hear popping or detect smoke from the outlet, flip the breaker off ahead of investigating.
  • Space Heaters: Skip over coiled space heaters because waste, like dust bunnies, old papers, or bed sheets can accidentally make contact and catch fire. However, you need to make sure to oversee fan and ceramic space heaters at all times when in use.
  • Cigarettes: In 2014 alone, U.S. fire departments responded to more than 17,000 residence fires triggered by cigars, pipes, or cigarettes. If you have tobacco products in the house, ensure they never take a nap with a cigarette or lay in bed with one. And fully put out your tobacco items before you throw it into a trash can.

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

If a fire happens to break out, you have to have an effective detection system to inform your family members as soon as possible. A common smoke alarm might be sufficient but can only alert you if smoke is in thick clouds. An advanced fire alarm -- a security device that's connected to your home security network -- is powerful enough to sense both smoke and rising temperatures and is better equipped to make sure everyone is safe.

A monitored fire alarm has several ways it can alert you of smoke. Your alarms will notify you with an ear-piercing siren and a message to your smartphone. That’s when your ever-vigilant monitoring experts will contact the fire department. And if you're ever somewhere in which you’re unable to race you your house when a fire blazes, you can be reassured that your monitoring agent will facilitate communication between you and first responders.

Get Your Monitored Fire Alarms From Secure24 Alarm Systems

The possibility of house fires in Tampa should never be written off, but you can rest assured if you have a monitored fire alarm on the premises. Contact Secure24 Alarm Systems, and we’ll help you place all the fire sensors you need with a cutting-edge home security system. Call (813) 355-0757 or fill out the form below to get started.