Leading causes of residential fires in Duluth and how to avoid them

When you own a home, there are many threats to think about. Fire is chief among them, as it can happen anywhere and anytime. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated an astounding $8.9 billion in property damage across the United States due to residential fires in 2021. That same year, there were in excess of 350,000 reported incidents. Fortunately, there are actions you can take to avoid them. Investigate the causes and how to prevent house fires in Duluth.

What starts residential fires in Duluth?

Fires can start in any location and without notice, whether ignited by a smoldering cigarette in a waste container or a neglected stovetop. Here are the leading causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Kitchen flare-ups are the most frequent types of residential fires in Duluth and all other areas. Neglected stovetops are the chief origin, so always watch that scorching skillet when making dinner. It’s also worth nothing that dumping water on a grease fire will only make matters worse.
• Heating: Portable heaters are well known for causing residential fires. Using them for lengthy amounts of time may result in inner elements degrading and igniting. Putting heaters by flammable objects like bed sheets and curtains or using frayed cords will also lead to disastrous results. Other types of heating, such as HVAC systems and fireplaces, may cause fires and need to be checked periodically.
• Electrical: Old wiring, faulty outlets, and overloaded extension cords are several of the ways electrical complications cause fires. Never run an appliance with a damaged cord, and make sure combustible materials like paper aren’t placed on a lampshade, get it inspected promptly.
• Candles: When there's a flame, there's a chance of fire. Residential fires from candles are still commonplace and typically result from people being careless. Placing them within a pet’s domain or too close to flammable items will often produce disastrous results.
• Smoking: Even with the overall decrease in smoking across the nation, it’s still an undeniable fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration announced that 7,800 residential fires were caused by smoking in 2021. Falling asleep with a cigarette still burning or throwing out smoldering ashes too soon can bring about catastrophic results.

The most effective way to prevent house fires in Duluth is to be careful at all times. Always keep an eye on things when cooking, never leave a candle burning unattended, and discard cigarettes properly. If you need to use a space heater, do so infrequently and use one that offers an automatic shut-off safety precaution in the event it overturns.

Protect your family with a monitored fire alarm in Duluth

You need to have smoke detectors on each floor and more by sleeping areas. But you can take your safety to another level with a monitored fire alarm. These beneficial safety components will not only recognize smoke but can also be triggered due to rising heat. Furthermore, since they incorporate into your modern smart home, they’ll notify you and your monitoring representatives whenever an emergency occurs. This is a nice perk, particularly when you’re not home to hear the alarm and contact the fire department.

Defend against common risks with a Vivint smart home in Duluth

Enhance the protection of your property today with a Vivint smart home. You can personalize our systems with monitored fire alarms, water sensors, and carbon monoxide detectors. You’ll appreciate the instant alerts to your cell phone and the reassurance that comes with professional monitoring. Place a call to (218) 585-7945 to get started.