Common causes of residential fires in Washington DC and how to avoid them

When you own a home, there are many threats to consider. Fire is chief among them, as it can occur in various places and at any time. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated an incredible $8.9 billion in property damage across the United States because of residential fires in 2021. In the same year, there were more than 350,000 noted fires. Thankfully, there are things you can do to keep them from happening|. Investigate the causes and how to prevent house fires in Washington DC.

What sparks residential fires in Washington DC?

Fires can begin in any spot and without notice, whether caused by a burning cigarette in a garbage can or an unattended stovetop. Here are the most common causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Incidents in the kitchen are the most frequent kinds of residential fires in Washington DC and everywhere else. Neglected stovetops are the chief cause, so always pay attention to that smoking skillet when cooking. It’s also worth nothing that drenching a grease fire with water will only make things worse.
• Heating: Space heaters are well established as a cause of residential fires. Running them for too long can result in internal elements degrading and sparking. Placing heaters near flammable materials like bed sheets and drapery or using frayed cords will also lead to disaster. Other heating devices, such as HVAC systems and fireplaces, may cause fires and ought to be examined frequently.
• Electrical: Outdated wiring, malfunctioning outlets, and overwhelmed extension cords are a few of the ways electrical problems cause fires. Whenever you detect flickering lights, sparking from an outlet, or odd odors, get it inspected right away.
• Candles: When there's a flame, there's the possibility of fire. Residential fires due to candles are still commonplace and often result from people being careless. Situating them within a pet’s domain or near flammable items will often result in disaster.
• Smoking: Despite the overall decline in smoking across the country, it’s still an undeniable fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated that 7,800 residential fires were started by smoking in 2021. Dozing off with a cigarette in hand or prematurely disposing of smoldering ashes can cause destructive results.

The most effective way to prevent house fires in Washington DC is to be attentive at all times. Always pay attention when cooking, don’t ever leave a candle unattended, and dispose of cigarettes properly. If you have to use a space heater, do so in short intervals and use one that has an automatic shut-off feature in the event it overturns.

Safeguard your home with a monitored fire alarm in Washington DC

You ought to have smoke detectors on every floor and consider using more next to bedrooms. But you can take your safety to a new level with a monitored fire alarm. These innovative safety features will not only detect smoke but can also be triggered due to rising heat. Furthermore, because they integrate into your modern smart home, they’ll warn you and your monitoring professionals whenever a crisis takes place. This is a worthwhile benefit, specifically when you’re not there to hear the alarm and contact the fire department yourself.

Safeguard your home against common dangers with a Vivint smart home in Washington DC

Enhance the safety of your household today with a Vivint smart home. You may personalize our systems with monitored fire alarms, water sensors, and carbon monoxide detectors. You’ll appreciate the instant notifications to your smartphone and the peace of mind that you get with professional monitoring. Dial (202) 780-3214 to speak with a skilled Vivint professional.