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

There are numerous perils you need to keep in mind as a property owner. Fire is foremost among them, as it can occur in any place and at any time. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated a stunning $8.9 billion in property damage in the United States due to residential fires in 2021. That same year, there were more than 350,000 noted occurrences. Thankfully, there are actions you can take to stay clear of them. Take a look at the causes and how to prevent house fires in Rochester.

What starts residential fires in Rochester?

Fires can sprout up anywhere and without warning, whether sparked by a burning cigarette in a waste container or a neglected stovetop. Here are the leading causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Incidents in the kitchen are the most common sorts of residential fires in Rochester and elsewhere. Unattended stovetops are the primary cause, so always watch that smoking skillet when making a meal. It’s also worth nothing that dumping water on a grease fire will only worsen the situation.
• Heating: Area heaters are a well-known cause of residential fires. Running them for extended amounts of time may cause inner parts to wear out and catch fire. Worn cords and putting heaters by combustible materials like blankets or drapes can also lead to disaster. Other types of heating, such as fireplaces and furnaces, could cause fires and should be checked regularly.
• Electrical: Worn out wiring, defective outlets, and overwhelmed extension cords are several of the ways electrical complications lead to fires. If you notice sparking, flickering lights, or strange odors, get it checked out promptly.
• Candles: Whenever there's a flame, there's a chance of fire. Residential fires from candles are still frequently reported and usually result from carelessness. Burning candles next to flammable materials like curtains or keeping them within the domain of an inquisitive pet will lead to disaster.
• Smoking: In spite of the overall reduction in smoking across the nation, it’s still an undeniable fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration announced that 7,800 residential fires were started by smoking in 2021. Falling asleep with a cigarette in hand or prematurely disposing of smoldering ashes can give rise to devastating results.

The most effective way to prevent house fires in Rochester is to be attentive at all times. Always pay attention when cooking, never leave a candle burning unattended, and properly get rid of cigarettes. If you need to use a space heater, do so sparingly and invest in one that offers an automatic shut-off safety precaution in case it tips over.

Get help quickly with a monitored fire alarm in Rochester

You need to have smoke detectors on all floors and more by bedrooms. But you can take your safety to another level with a monitored fire alarm. These innovative safety devices will not only discern smoke but can also trigger due to rising heat. In addition, since they are part of your modern smart home, they’ll alert you and your monitoring representatives whenever a crisis strikes. This is a nice benefit, especially when you’re not around to hear the alarm and phone the fire department yourself.

Protect against various threats with a Vivint smart home in Rochester

Upgrade the protection of your household today with a Vivint smart home. You can personalize our systems with monitored fire alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and water sensors. You’ll be appreciative of the instant alerts to your mobile device and the 24-hour support that you get with professional monitoring. Place a call to (585) 534-3389 to talk with a Vivint representative.