Common causes of residential fires in Salem and how to avoid them

When you own a home, there are many risks to think about. Fire is at the top of the list, as it can happen in any place and at any moment. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated a stunning $8.9 billion in property damage throughout the United States because of residential fires in 2021. Also during this year, there were in excess of 350,000 recorded occurrences. Thankfully, there are things you can do to keep them from taking place|. Take a look at the causes and how to prevent house fires in Salem.

What starts residential fires in Salem?

Fires can start in any location and without notice, whether caused by a burning cigarette in a trash can or an unattended stovetop. Here are the top causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Incidents in the kitchen are the most common sorts of residential fires in Salem and elsewhere. Neglected stovetops are the chief source, so always pay attention to that scorching skillet when making dinner. It’s also essential to note that dousing a grease fire with water will only make matters worse.
• Heating: Space heaters are a well-known cause of residential fires. Using them for lengthy time periods can cause internal components to wear out and spark. Damaged cords and putting heaters by flammable objects like bedding or window coverings may also lead to disastrous results. Other heating elements, such as furnaces and fireplaces, might cause fires and ought to be inspected frequently.
• Electrical: Worn out wiring, faulty outlets, and overwhelmed extension cords are some ways electrical complications cause fires. Don’t ever run an appliance with a tattered cord, and make certain ignitable objects like paper aren’t put on top of a lampshade, get it checked out promptly.
• Candles: When there's a flame, there's the possibility of fire. Residential fires from candles are still all too common and often result from people being careless. Placing candles next to flammable materials like curtains or leaving them within the domain of an inquisitive pet will often produce disastrous results.
• Smoking: Despite the overall decline in smoking nationwide, it’s still a primary fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated that 7,800 residential fires were a result of smoking in 2021. Nodding off while holding a cigarette or prematurely disposing of smoldering ashes can bring about devastating results.

The primary way to prevent house fires in Salem is to be careful at all times. Always watch closely when cooking, don’t leave a candle unattended, and get rid of cigarettes properly. If you must operate a space heater, do so in short intervals and use one that has an automatic shut-off switch in the event it is knocked over.

Protect your family with a monitored fire alarm in Salem

You should have smoke detectors on each floor and think about installing more near sleeping quarters. But you can take your protection to another level with a monitored fire alarm. These innovative safety devices will not only discern smoke but can also trigger due to extreme heat. Additionally, considering they incorporate into your modern smart home, they’ll warn you and your monitoring representatives whenever a crisis strikes. This is a worthwhile benefit, specifically when you’re not there to hear the alarm and call the fire department.

Protect against various threats with a Vivint smart home in Salem

Elevate the protection of your property today with a Vivint smart home. You can custom design our systems with monitored fire alarms, water sensors, and carbon monoxide detectors. You’ll be thankful for the instant notifications to your smartphone and the peace of mind that comes with professional monitoring. Place a call to (503) 994-1230 to get started.