Leading causes of residential fires in New Haven and how to avoid them

There are a plethora of risks you must keep in mind as a property owner. Fire is foremost among them, as it can occur anywhere and at any moment. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated an incredible $8.9 billion in property damage across the United States as a result of residential fires in 2021. That same year, there were in excess of 350,000 reported incidents. Fortunately, there are things you can do to avoid them. Learn more about the causes and how to prevent house fires in New Haven.

What causes residential fires in New Haven?

Fires can start anywhere and without notice, whether sparked by a smoldering cigarette in a trash can or a neglected stovetop. Here are the leading causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Kitchen flare-ups are the most widespread sorts of residential fires in New Haven and all other areas. Unattended stovetops are the main source, so always pay attention to that scorching skillet when making dinner. It’s also worth nothing that soaking a grease fire with water will only worsen the situation.
• Heating: Area heaters are well established as a cause of residential fires. Running them for too long might cause internal components to break down and ignite. Damaged cords and putting heaters near combustible items like bed sheets or drapes may also lead to devastating results. Other heating devices, such as furnaces and fireplaces, may cause fires and need to be checked periodically.
• Electrical: Old wiring, malfunctioning outlets, and overburdened extension cords are several of the ways electrical complications cause fires. Whenever you detect sparking, flickering lights, or strange odors, get it investigated right away.
• Candles: When there's a flame, there's the potential for fire. Residential fires due to candles are still all too common and often result from carelessness. Situating them within an area reachable by pets or near combustible materials will lead to disaster.
• Smoking: Even with the overall reduction in smoking across the nation, it’s still an undeniable fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated that 7,800 residential fires were a result of smoking in 2021. Dozing off while holding a cigarette or throwing out smoldering ashes prematurely can give rise to destructive results.

The most effective way to prevent house fires in New Haven is to eliminate careless behavior. Always pay attention when cooking, don’t ever leave a candle burning unattended, and discard cigarettes properly. If you must use a space heater, do so infrequently and use one that has an automatic shut-off switch in the event it is knocked over.

Safeguard your home with a monitored fire alarm in New Haven

You need to have smoke detectors on every floor and think about installing more by sleeping quarters. But you can take your protection to another level with a monitored fire alarm. These beneficial safety components will not only recognize smoke but can also trigger due to elevated heat levels. Furthermore, because they incorporate into your modern smart home, they’ll warn you and your monitoring professionals whenever a crisis occurs. This is a notable perk, especially when you’re not home to hear the alarm and phone the fire department.

Safeguard your home against common risks with a Vivint smart home in New Haven

Upgrade the safety of your property today with a Vivint smart home. You can customize our systems with monitored fire alarms, CO detectors, and flood sensors. You’ll be thankful for the instant alerts to your cell phone and the peace of mind that you enjoy with professional monitoring. Contact (203) 625-1716 to speak with a skilled Vivint professional.