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August 02, 2021

What Causes House Fires In Topeka And How To Prevent Them

When you’re a homeowner, one of the most menacing threats to your home and loved ones is the potential for a fire. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated in 2019 that American homeowners took on about $1.6 billion in costs by means of accidental or careless fires. Unfortunately, fires are sudden and many times avoidable -- if you know where to look. And, fortunately, you have a monitored fire alarm that sends you help fast should you experience an incident.

What Causes House Fires In Topeka?

Fires can happen in nearly any place with no warning on the premises. However, you can lessen the risk of a house fire if you take countermeasures around the following objects:

  • Stoves and Ovens: Cooking is far and away the leading cause of a house fire in Topeka. Kitchen-related flames most often begin when the kitchen is left ignored while cooking food. Water tossed on a grease fire only works to spread a flame that would alternatively be contained.

  • Candles: Going to sleep in an area with a lit candle is risky, even when you use a deep candle holder. The flame can easily catch a curtain ablaze if left on a window sill, and a dog or cat can topple candlesticks in their playing. The National Fire Protection Association estimates that more than 7,600 properties were damaged due to candle-related accidents between 2014-2018.

  • Electrical wires: Corroded electrical circuit interrupters, “tamper-resistant” electrical outlets, aging or poorly installed lighting, and cut lamp cords is a big risk. Be careful not to overload your outlets or plug anything in with bare electrical components. If for any reason you hear popping or smell smoke from the outlet, turn the breaker off prior to your investigation.
  • Space Heaters: Avoid coiled space heaters because junk, like dust bunnies, old papers, or covers can accidentally make contact and spark up. However, you should also oversee fan and ceramic space heaters for the entire duration of use.
  • Cigarettes: In 2014 alone, U.S. fire departments came to more than 17,000 house fires started by cigars, pipes, or cigarettes. If you enjoy tobacco in the house, ensure they never fall asleep with a cigarette or lay in bed with one. And fully extinguish your tobacco items prior to placing it into a trash can.

A Monitored Smoke Detector Does Brings Help Quickly When You Have A Fire

If a fire does start, you have to have an early detection system to inform your family members before it's too late. A traditional smoke alarm could suffice but can only alert you if smoke is in thick clouds. An advanced fire alarm -- a piece of equipment that's connected to your home security system -- is able to sense both smoke and climbing heat and can do more to make sure your family is safe.

A monitored fire alarm has many it can warn you of a fire. Your alarms can inform your loved ones with an ear-piercing alarm and a notification to your cell phone. All the while, your 24/7 monitoring experts reaches out to the fire department. And if you're ever somewhere where you aren’t able to speed home when a fire breaks out, you can have peace of mind that your monitoring agent will maintain communication between you and the fire department.

Protect Your Home With Monitored Fire Alarms From Secure24 Alarm Systems

The odds of house fires in Topeka should never be underestimated, but you can rest easier if you have a monitored fire alarm on hand. Contact Secure24 Alarm Systems, and we’ll help you install all the fire alarms you need with a cutting-edge home security system. Call (785) 268-2982 or send in the form below to begin.