ADT® Authorized Dealer Serving Pittsburgh & Surrounding Areas
mother/daughter at bedtime with smoke sensor
August 02, 2021

What Causes House Fires In Pittsburgh And How To Avoid Them

When you own a home, one of the biggest threats to your home and family members is the chance of fire. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated in 2019 that American homeowners underwent approximately $1.6 billion in costs due to accidental or careless fires. The terrible truth is fires are unexpected and are often preventable -- with a little knowledge of where to act. And hopefully you are equipped with a monitored fire alarm that gets you help fast if you experience an outbreak.

What Causes House Fires In Pittsburgh?

Fires can spark in any spot with no warning in the home. However, you can lessen the risk of fire by taking countermeasures around the following items:

  • Stoves and Ovens: Cooking is far and away the leading cause of a house fire in Pittsburgh. Cooking-related flames most often begin when the kitchen is left neglected while making the meal. Water thrown on a grease fire only works to expand a flame that would on the other hand be easily handled.

  • Candles: Passing out in an area with a burning candle is problematic, even when you use a high-sided candle holder. The flame is more than capable of catching a curtain ablaze if left on a window sill, and animals can bump into candles while exploring. The National Fire Protection Association approximates that greater than 7,600 houses were damaged because of candle-related incidents between 2014-2018.

  • Electrical wires: Faulty electrical circuit interrupters, “tamper-resistant” electrical outlets, degrading or poorly installed lighting, and split lamp cords can all cause a fire. Be careful not to overburden your outlets or plug an item in with uncovered wiring. On the off chance you hear crackling or detect smoke from the outlet, turn the breaker off before checking it out.
  • Space Heaters: Look past coiled space heaters because debris, like dust, old papers, or covers can accidentally make contact and catch fire. 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 residence fires started by cigarettes, cigars, and pipes. If you enjoy tobacco who partakes inside, be certain they never take a nap with a cigarette or lay in bed with one. And fully snuff out your paraphernalia prior to placing it into a waste bin.

A Monitored Smoke Detector Does Brings Help Quickly When It Senses A Fire

If a fire should start, you have to have an effective detection system to notify your spouse and children before it gets serious. A common smoke alarm is adequate but can only alert you if smoke is abundant. An advanced fire alarm -- a security device that's tied to your home security devices -- is powerful enough to sense both smoke and rising temperatures and can do more to make sure everyone’s safety.

A monitored fire alarm has several means it can inform you of smoke. Your alarms will notify your family with an incredibly loud alarm and an alert to your smartphone. All the while, your 24/7 monitoring experts will contact the fire department. And if you're ever somewhere where you aren’t able to race back in time when a fire starts, you can have peace of mind that your monitoring agent will maintain contact between you and emergency personnel.

Get Your Monitored Fire Alarms From Secure24 Alarm Systems

The odds of house fires in Pittsburgh should never be underestimated, but you can rest assured if you install a monitored fire alarm on the premises. Contact Secure24 Alarm Systems, and we’ll help you get all the safety detectors you need with a cutting-edge home security system. Call (412) 230-3668 or fill out the form below to get started.