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

What Causes House Fires In Des Moines

When you’re a homeowner, one of the scariest dangers to your home and family members is the risk of fire. The U.S. Fire Administration calculated in 2019 that American homeowners suffered nearly $1.6 billion in losses by means of accidental or unattended fires. Unfortunately, fires are unpredictable and many times preventable -- with a little knowledge of where to look. And, fortunately, you are equipped with a monitored fire alarm that gets you aid immediately if you undergo an outbreak.

What Causes House Fires In Des Moines?

Fires may start anywhere with no warning on the premises. However, you can lessen the danger of fire by taking countermeasures around the following household objects:

  • Stoves and Ovens: Cooking is the leading cause, by a huge margin, of a house fire in Des Moines. Kitchen-related flames most often result when the kitchen is left ignored while making the meal. Water used on a grease fire only works to expand a flame that would otherwise be easily handled.

  • Candles: Going to sleep in a room with a burning candle is risky, even when you use a deep candle holder. The flame can blow and catch a curtain on fire if left on a window sill, and a dog or cat can topple candlesticks in their playing. The National Fire Protection Association approximates that more than 7,600 houses were damaged due to candle-related fires between 2014-2018.

  • Electrical wires: Faulty electrical circuit interrupters, “tamper-resistant” electrical outlets, malfunctioning or poorly set up lighting, and split lamp cords is a big risk. Be sure not to overburden your outlets or plug an item in with uncovered wiring. On the off chance you hear crackling or smell smoke from the outlet, flip the breaker off ahead of your investigation.
  • Space Heaters: Look past coiled space heaters because debris, like pet fur, paper, or blankets can find their way in and alight. However, you should also check on fan and ceramic space heaters for the entire duration of operation.
  • Cigarettes: Solely in 2014, U.S. fire departments responded to more than 17,000 home fires caused by cigars, pipes, or cigarettes. If you have tobacco products that smokes indoors, ensure they never pass out with a cigarette or lay in bed with one. And fully extinguish your tobacco items prior to placing it into a waste bin.

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

If a fire does spark, you have to have an early discovery system to inform your spouse and children before it gets serious. An ordinary smoke alarm might be sufficient but is only able to alert you if smoke is really billowing. A cutting-edge fire alarm -- a security device that's tied to your home security system -- is able to discover both smoke and excess heat and can do more to make sure everyone’s safety.

A monitored fire alarm has many means it can inform you of a fire. Your alarms can alert you with an incredibly loud tone and a notification to your cell phone. All the while, your always-on monitoring experts will contact the fire department. And if you're ever somewhere where you can't race home when a fire blazes, you can have peace of mind that your monitoring agent will maintain communication between you and the fire department.

Utilize Monitored Fire Alarms From Secure24 Alarm Systems

The possibility of house fires in Des Moines should never be underestimated, but you can rest easier if you install a monitored fire alarm on hand. Contact Secure24 Alarm Systems, and we’ll help you place all the smoke sensors you need with a state-of-the-art home security system. Call (515) 212-6493 or fill out the form below to begin.