Leading causes of residential fires in Flint and how to avoid them

There are a plethora of perils you have to think about as a property owner. Fire is foremost among them, as it can arise in various places and at any moment. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated a stunning $8.9 billion in property damage in the United States as a result of residential fires in 2021. That same year, there were over 350,000 documented fires. Fortunately, there are actions you can take to keep them from taking place|. Learn more about the causes and how to prevent house fires in Flint.

What starts residential fires in Flint?

Fires can begin in any spot and without notice, whether ignited by a burning cigarette in a trash can or an ignored stovetop. Here are the top causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Flare-ups in the kitchen are the most common sorts of residential fires in Flint and all other areas. Unattended stovetops are the chief cause, so always pay attention to that hot skillet when making dinner. It’s also essential to note that dousing a grease fire with water will only make things worse.
• Heating: Portable heaters are well established as a cause of residential fires. Operating them for lengthy periods can result in internal components wearing down and sparking. Frayed cords and situating heaters next to flammable materials like bedding or window coverings may also lead to devastating results. Other heating devices, such as furnaces and fireplaces, could cause fires and ought to be inspected regularly.
• Electrical: Worn out wiring, faulty outlets, and overwhelmed extension cords are several of the ways electrical complications cause fires. Never use an appliance with a tattered cord, and make certain flammable substances like paper aren’t placed on a lampshade, get it investigated promptly.
• Candles: Whenever there's a flame, there's the possibility of fire. Residential fires caused by candles are still frequently reported and often result from carelessness. Burning candles in close proximity to combustible objects like curtains or having them within the reach of an inquisitive pet will lead to disaster.
• Smoking: Despite the overall decline in smoking nationwide, it’s still a primary fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration announced that 7,800 residential fires were started by smoking in 2021. Falling asleep while holding a cigarette or prematurely throwing out smoldering ashes can give rise to devastating results.

The most effective way to prevent house fires in Flint is to avoid negligent behavior. Always watch closely when cooking, don’t leave a candle burning unattended, and properly dispose of cigarettes. If you must run a space heater, do so sparingly and invest in one that includes an automatic shut-off switch in case it overturns.

Safeguard your home with a monitored fire alarm in Flint

You should have smoke detectors on each floor and more near sleeping areas. But you can take your safety to a new level with a monitored fire alarm. These modern safety components will not only recognize smoke but can also be triggered due to extreme heat. Additionally, since they incorporate into your modern smart home, they’ll alert you and your monitoring representatives whenever an emergency strikes. This is a notable benefit, particularly when you’re not around to hear the alarm and phone the fire department.

Protect against known dangers with a Vivint smart home in Flint

Upgrade the safety of your property today with a Vivint smart home. You can personalize our systems with monitored fire alarms, CO detectors, and flood sensors. You’ll be appreciative of the instant updates to your smartphone and the peace of mind that comes with professional monitoring. Contact (810) 672-7953 to get started.