Common causes of residential fires in Auburn and how to prevent them

There are a plethora of dangers you need to keep in mind as a homeowner. Fire is at the top of the list, as it can happen in various places and at any time. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated an astounding $8.9 billion in property damage throughout the United States due to residential fires in 2021. Also during this year, there were over 350,000 reported occurrences. Thankfully, there are actions you can take to keep them from arising|. Investigate the causes and how to prevent house fires in Auburn.

What causes residential fires in Auburn?

Fires can sprout up in any location and without warning, whether sparked by a burning cigarette in a garbage can or an unattended stovetop. Here are the most common causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Kitchen flare-ups are the most common kinds of residential fires in Auburn and elsewhere. Unattended stovetops are the chief origin, so always watch that hot skillet when making dinner. It’s also important to note that throwing water on a grease fire will only make matters worse.
• Heating: Space heaters are well established as a cause of residential fires. Running them for too long can cause internal pieces to wear out and ignite. Placing heaters by flammable materials like blankets and drapes or using worn cords will also lead to devastating results. Other heating elements, such as furnaces and fireplaces, could cause fires and should be checked periodically.
• Electrical: Outdated wiring, defective outlets, and overwhelmed extension cords are several of the ways electrical complications lead to fires. Whenever you notice burning smells, sparking, or flickering lights, get it checked out immediately.
• Candles: Wherever there's a flame, there's the possibility of fire. Residential fires from candles are still frequently reported and typically result from carelessness. Placing candles in close proximity to flammable items like drapery or keeping them within the reach of a curious pet will lead to disaster.
• Smoking: Despite the overall decrease in smoking across the nation, it’s still an undeniable fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated that 7,800 residential fires were started by smoking in 2021. Dozing off while holding a cigarette or prematurely throwing out smoldering ashes can give rise to destructive results.

The most effective way to prevent house fires in Auburn is to eliminate reckless behavior. Always keep an eye on things when cooking, never leave a candle unattended, and properly discard cigarettes. If you have to operate a space heater, do so in short intervals and invest in one that includes an automatic shut-off switch in the event it is knocked over.

Safeguard your home with a monitored fire alarm in Auburn

You ought to have smoke detectors on all floors and consider using more next to sleeping areas. But you can take your safety to a new level with a monitored fire alarm. These beneficial safety components will not only detect smoke but can also be triggered due to extreme heat. In addition, considering they integrate into your modern smart home, they’ll notify you and your monitoring professionals whenever an emergency strikes. This is a worthwhile benefit, especially when you’re not there to hear the alarm and contact the fire department.

Defend against known threats with a Vivint smart home in Auburn

Upgrade the protection of your household today with a Vivint smart home. You may customize our systems with monitored fire alarms, CO detectors, and flood sensors. You’ll be thankful for the instant alerts to your mobile device and the reassurance that comes with professional monitoring. Dial (334) 378-2297 to speak with a skilled Vivint professional.