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

September 25, 2023
Man surprised by smoke pouring out of oven

There are many risks you must keep in mind as a property owner. Fire is at the top of the list, as it can arise anywhere and at any time. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated 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 incidents. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to stay clear of them. Investigate the causes and how to prevent house fires in Concord.

What starts residential fires in Concord?

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

  • Cooking: Kitchen flare-ups are the most common sorts of residential fires in Concord and elsewhere. Ignored stovetops are the primary source, so always watch that scorching skillet when making dinner. It’s also essential to note that drenching a grease fire with water will only make matters worse.
  • Heating: Space heaters are a well-known cause of residential fires. Running them for too long might cause inner components to break down and ignite. Putting heaters next to flammable materials like bed sheets and curtains or using frayed cords may also lead to disaster. Other heating elements, such as HVAC systems and fireplaces, could cause fires and ought to be examined frequently.
  • Electrical: Outdated wiring, faulty outlets, and overloaded extension cords are some ways electrical problems lead to fires. If you discern sparking, flickering lights, or strange odors, get it inspected immediately.
  • Candles: When there's a flame, there's the potential for fire. Residential fires caused by candles are still all too common and usually result from carelessness. Using candles next to ignitable items like drapery or leaving them within range of a curious pet will often result in disaster.
  • Smoking: Even with the overall reduction in smoking nationwide, it’s still an unquestionable fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration announced that 7,800 residential fires were started by smoking in 2021. Nodding off with a cigarette still burning or throwing out smoldering ashes too soon can cause catastrophic results.

The most effective way to prevent house fires in Concord is to eliminate negligent behavior. Always watch closely when cooking, don’t leave a candle burning, and discard cigarettes properly. If you have to run a space heater, do so sparingly and get one that offers an automatic shut-off safety precaution in case it overturns.

Protect your family with a monitored fire alarm in Concord

You ought to have smoke detectors on all floors and consider using more near bedrooms. But you can take your home’s safety to a new level with a monitored fire alarm. These innovative safety features will not only discern smoke but can also be tripped due to rising heat. Additionally, since they incorporate into your modern smart home, they’ll warn you and your monitoring specialists whenever an emergency occurs. This is a notable perk, specifically when you’re not around to hear the alarm and call the fire department.

Defend against known threats with a Vivint smart home in Concord

Elevate the protection of your residence today with a Vivint smart home. You may customize our systems with monitored fire alarms, water sensors, and carbon monoxide detectors. You’ll be appreciative of the instant updates to your mobile device and the reassurance that you get with professional monitoring. Dial (802) 909-3379 to speak with a skilled Vivint professional.