Common Causes of Residential Fires: Domestic Sprinkler Systems
According to Fire First, there are about 37,000 house fires in the UK each year with the majority of incidents occurring between 10 pm and 6 am. With approximately 200 deaths per year, this statistic can easily decrease with the installation of domestic sprinkler systems, which are one of the quickest ways of diminishing a fire.
Even with domestic sprinkler systems installed in your home, it is important to recognise the risks that occur in day-to-day life in regard to fire safety. Having this knowledge can prevent the need for your sprinkler system to be set off and relax, knowing that it is there. Continue reading for the common causes and ways you can prevent these.
Cooking
Over the years, kitchen incidents have been the main cause of fires in the UK; in 2019, it amounted to just under 50% of all fire-related accidents. When grease gets too hot, it becomes extremely flammable and can spontaneously combust, despite not having a flame. When this occurs, it is hard to then smother the blaze.
You should never leave your kitchen unattended when cooking with oil or food that releases grease. Even if it’s for a few minutes, it is still irresponsible and could lead to property damage. Cleaning your oven of grease and food debris can prevent overheating and the build-up of grease. For smaller fires, smothering the flame with a pan lid can put out the blaze. However, for larger ones, you should leave it and call the fire department. Alternatively, if you have domestic sprinkler systems installed, it will detect the smoke and emit water or mist to deal with the fire.
Smoking
Smoking causes many problems both personally and environmentally. Smoking inside has been banned in the UK since 2007, which led to more people trying to quit the addiction and fewer hospital admissions for heart attacks. This, however, has not stopped residents from smoking inside their homes.
This cause is pretty easy to avoid. Don’t smoke inside. Even if you are exhaling outside a window, it is not worth the risk. A single piece of ash could alight any piece of furniture and quickly start a fire. It is a very avoidable cause for residential fires.
Electrical Fires
Through the winter months, electrical fires are doubled as homeowners try to keep warm. Appliances such as portable heaters, if overused or covered by fabrics, can ignite and overheat. Especially around Christmas, many homeowners overboard their circuits by powering multiple of lights outside and inside their house. Though electrical fires aren’t the main cause in homes, they are one of the most dangerous. As most emit a high level of current, these accidents account for an estimated 18% of deaths.
Make sure when installing any electrical systems that they are done by a professional electrician, specifically in older homes. Have your wiring checked regularly to combat any electrical problems you might face, especially in the winter months when you have more appliances on. Also, try not to overboard your circuits. If you need to plug something in, turn something off before and swap the charge.
The Benefits of Having Domestic Sprinkler Systems
Though you should still be cautious when cooking, installing a residential sprinkler system is the best choice to guarantee safety for yourself, your family and the property itself. They are 99% effective and have saved lives through their fast-acting procedures. Depending on the product, fire sprinkler systems can both detect the fire, alert people in the home like a smoke alarm and then extinguish the blaze. Having residential fire sprinklers means not having to quickly react to an alarming situation. They will take care of it automatically.
Also, domestic sprinkler systems have been proven to be more environmentally friendly. Sprinkler systems detect smoke and release the right amount of water to put the fire out. Unlike fire engines that pump out gallons and gallons each day. Having a fire sprinkler system means you are doing your bit for the planet and lowering the amount of water used; lowering your carbon footprint and saving your property.
RAD Fire Sprinklers supply and install domestic sprinkler systems in domestic and residential homes around London and the South East. We design and install domestic sprinkler systems to guarantee you and your family’s safety at all times of the day. Check out our fire sprinkler initiative blog for weekly updates on the latest fire safety news and tips.
For more information on our services, or to receive a quote, fill out our contact form and a member of our team will be in touch. Alternatively, you can also give us a call on 01892 680 090.
