Top causes of residential fires in Kalamazoo and how to avoid them

When you own a home, there are many threats to consider. Fire is foremost among them, as it can arise anywhere and at any moment. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated an astounding $8.9 billion in property damage in the United States because of residential fires in 2021. In the same year, there were more than 350,000 noted occurrences. Luckily, there are steps you can take to keep them from taking place|. Take a look at the causes and how to prevent house fires in Kalamazoo.

What starts residential fires in Kalamazoo?

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

• Cooking: Kitchen flare-ups are the most widespread sorts of residential fires in Kalamazoo and elsewhere. Neglected stovetops are the primary culprit, so always watch that scorching skillet when making a meal. It’s also worth nothing that putting water on a grease fire will only worsen the situation.
• Heating: Area heaters are well established as a cause of residential fires. Running them for too long may result in inner elements wearing down and sparking. Frayed cords and putting heaters near combustible materials like blankets or drapes will also lead to disastrous results. Other heating elements, such as fireplaces and furnaces, may cause fires and should be checked periodically.
• Electrical: Outdated wiring, malfunctioning outlets, and overburdened extension cords are a few of the ways electrical issues result in fires. Don’t ever operate an appliance with a frayed cord, and make sure flammable objects like paper aren’t put on top of a lampshade, get it inspected right away.
• Candles: Whenever there's a flame, there's the possibility of fire. Residential fires caused by candles are still commonplace and typically result from carelessness. Situating them within a pet’s domain or near combustible items will often result in disaster.
• Smoking: Despite the overall reduction in smoking nationwide, it’s still an undeniable fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated that 7,800 residential fires were caused by smoking in 2021. Nodding off while holding a cigarette or prematurely disposing of smoldering ashes can bring about catastrophic results.

The primary way to prevent house fires in Kalamazoo is to be attentive at all times. Always pay attention when cooking, don’t ever leave a candle burning unattended, and properly discard cigarettes. If you have to run a space heater, do so sparingly and get one that has an automatic shut-off safety precaution in case it overturns.

Safeguard your home with a monitored fire alarm in Kalamazoo

You need to have smoke detectors on every floor and think about installing more next to sleeping areas. But you can take your protection a step further with a monitored fire alarm. These modern safety components will not only recognize smoke but can also be tripped due to rising heat. In addition, because they incorporate into your modern smart home, they’ll notify you and your monitoring representatives whenever a crisis occurs. This is a nice benefit, specifically when you’re not there to hear the alarm and call the fire department.

Protect against known risks with a Vivint smart home in Kalamazoo

Enhance the protection of your residence today with a Vivint smart home. You may custom design our systems with monitored fire alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and water sensors. You’ll appreciate the instant updates to your smartphone and the peace of mind that you enjoy with professional monitoring. Place a call to (269) 280-0186 to get started.