Leading causes of residential fires in Youngstown and how to prevent them

When you own a home, there are many hazards to think about. Fire is foremost among them, as it can occur in various places and anytime. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated an astounding $8.9 billion in property damage across the United States due to residential fires in 2021. In the same year, there were more than 350,000 recorded incidents. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to keep them from arising|. Learn more about the causes and how to prevent house fires in Youngstown.

What causes residential fires in Youngstown?

Fires can start in any location and without warning, whether caused by a discarded cigarette in a waste container or an unattended stovetop. Here are the top causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Flare-ups in the kitchen are the most common kinds of residential fires in Youngstown and everywhere else. Neglected stovetops are the primary culprit, so always keep an eye on that smoking skillet when making dinner. It’s also essential to note that drenching a grease fire with water will only make things worse.
• Heating: Area heaters are well established as a cause of residential fires. Running them for lengthy periods may result in internal components wearing down and catching fire. Frayed cords and putting heaters next to flammable objects like blankets or window coverings may also lead to devastating results. Other heating devices, such as HVAC systems and fireplaces, could cause fires and ought to be checked periodically.
• Electrical: Worn out wiring, faulty outlets, and overloaded extension cords are a few of the ways electrical complications lead to fires. Don’t run an appliance with a damaged cord, and ensure combustible materials like paper aren’t layed on top of a lampshade, get it checked out immediately.
• Candles: Wherever there's a flame, there's the possibility of fire. Residential fires due to candles are still commonplace and usually result from careless behavior. Placing candles too close to ignitable items like curtains or keeping them within range of an inquisitive pet will often result in disaster.
• Smoking: Despite the overall decrease in smoking across the nation, it’s still an unquestionable 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 in hand or prematurely discarding smoldering ashes can bring about catastrophic results.

The most effective way to prevent house fires in Youngstown is to be attentive at all times. Always pay attention when cooking, never leave a candle unattended, and dispose of cigarettes properly. If you must run a space heater, do so in short intervals and get one that offers an automatic shut-off switch in case it overturns.

Safeguard your home with a monitored fire alarm in Youngstown

You should have smoke detectors on every floor and think about installing more next to bedrooms. But you can take your safety to another level with a monitored fire alarm. These modern safety components will not only detect smoke but can also be tripped due to rising heat. Furthermore, because they incorporate into your modern smart home, they’ll warn you and your monitoring representatives whenever an emergency takes place. This is a worthwhile perk, specifically when you’re not around to hear the alarm and contact the fire department yourself.

Protect against common threats with a Vivint smart home in Youngstown

Enhance the safety 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 appreciate the instant notifications to your mobile device and the reassurance that comes with professional monitoring. Contact (330) 632-1363 to speak with a skilled Vivint professional.