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

When you own a home, there are numerous threats to keep in mind. Fire is chief among them, as it can happen anywhere and at any time. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated a stunning $8.9 billion in property damage across the United States because of residential fires in 2021. That same year, there were over 350,000 reported occurrences. Thankfully, there are things you can do to stay clear of them. Investigate the causes and how to prevent house fires in Erie.

What starts residential fires in Erie?

Fires can sprout up in any spot and without notice, whether ignited by a burning cigarette in a garbage can or a neglected stovetop. Here are the most common causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Kitchen flare-ups are the most common kinds of residential fires in Erie and all other areas. Unattended stovetops are the main cause, so always pay attention to that scorching skillet when cooking. It’s also essential to note that dousing a grease fire with water will only make matters worse.
• Heating: Portable heaters are well established as a cause of residential fires. Using them for extended amounts of time might result in internal parts wearing down and igniting. Damaged cords and situating heaters next to flammable objects like blankets or drapes will also lead to devastating results. Other heating elements, such as furnaces and fireplaces, may cause fires and need to be checked frequently.
• Electrical: Old wiring, malfunctioning outlets, and overwhelmed extension cords are some ways electrical issues result in fires. Whenever you notice burning smells, sparking, or flickering lights, get it investigated immediately.
• Candles: If there's a flame, there's a chance of fire. Residential fires caused by candles are still all too common and usually result from careless behavior. Burning candles too close to flammable objects like curtains or keeping them within the reach of a rambunctious pet will lead to disaster.
• Smoking: Despite the overall decline in smoking nationwide, it’s still an undeniable fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated that 7,800 residential fires were a result of smoking in 2021. Falling asleep with a cigarette still burning or prematurely discarding smoldering ashes can bring about destructive results.

The primary way to prevent house fires in Erie is to be diligent at all times. Always pay attention when cooking, never leave a candle burning unattended, and properly discard cigarettes. If you need to run a space heater, do so sparingly and invest in one that offers an automatic shut-off safety precaution in case it tips over.

Protect your family with a monitored fire alarm in Erie

You need to have smoke detectors on all floors and more next to sleeping quarters. But you can take your protection to a new level with a monitored fire alarm. These modern safety devices will not only detect smoke but can also be triggered due to extreme heat. In addition, since they are part of your modern smart home, they’ll alert you and your monitoring professionals whenever an emergency takes place. This is a notable benefit, specifically when you’re not around to hear the alarm and phone the fire department yourself.

Defend against common dangers with a Vivint smart home in Erie

Enhance the protection of your residence today with a Vivint smart home. You can personalize our systems with monitored fire alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and water sensors. You’ll be thankful for the instant notifications to your cell phone and the reassurance that you get with professional monitoring. Contact (814) 992-4902 to get started.