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

When you own a home, there are many hazards to consider. Fire is chief among them, as it can arise anywhere and anytime. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated an incredible $8.9 billion in property damage in the United States because of residential fires in 2021. Also during this year, there were in excess of 350,000 recorded occurrences. Luckily, there are steps you can take to prevent them. Take a look at the causes and how to prevent house fires in Dover.

What causes residential fires in Dover?

Fires can sprout up in any spot and without warning, whether ignited by a discarded cigarette in a garbage can or a neglected stovetop. Here are the top causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Kitchen flare-ups are the most frequent sorts of residential fires in Dover and everywhere else. Ignored stovetops are the primary cause, so always watch that smoking skillet when cooking. It’s also essential to note that throwing water on a grease fire will only worsen the situation.
• Heating: Area heaters are well known for causing residential fires. Using them for extended amounts of time can result in inner parts degrading and catching fire. Worn cords and putting heaters next to combustible materials like blankets or window coverings will also lead to disastrous results. Other heating elements, such as fireplaces and furnaces, may cause fires and should be inspected frequently.
• Electrical: Outdated wiring, malfunctioning outlets, and overloaded extension cords are some ways electrical issues cause fires. Don’t ever operate an appliance with a damaged cord, and make certain ignitable substances like paper aren’t put on top of a lampshade, get it inspected right away.
• Candles: If there's a flame, there's the possibility of fire. Residential fires from candles are still all too common and typically result from people being careless. Placing candles in close proximity to flammable items like curtains or leaving them within range of a curious pet will lead to disaster.
• Smoking: Despite the overall reduction in smoking nationwide, it’s still an undeniable fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated that 7,800 residential fires were a result of smoking in 2021. Dozing off with a cigarette still burning or discarding smoldering ashes prematurely can cause devastating results.

The most effective way to prevent house fires in Dover is to eliminate negligent behavior. Always pay attention when cooking, never leave a candle burning unattended, and properly discard cigarettes. If you must operate a space heater, do so sparingly and use one that has an automatic shut-off switch in case it overturns.

Safeguard your home with a monitored fire alarm in Dover

You ought to have smoke detectors on every floor and consider using more near sleeping quarters. But you can take your protection to a new level with a monitored fire alarm. These beneficial safety features will not only detect smoke but can also trigger due to rising heat. In addition, because they are part of your modern smart home, they’ll notify you and your monitoring professionals whenever an emergency occurs. This is a worthwhile perk, specifically when you’re not there to hear the alarm and call the fire department.

Safeguard your home against common dangers with a Vivint smart home in Dover

Upgrade the protection of your residence today with a Vivint smart home. You may customize our systems with monitored fire alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and water sensors. You’ll be appreciative of the instant alerts to your smartphone and the peace of mind that comes with professional monitoring. Dial (302) 321-3498 to get started.