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

There are a plethora of hazards you need to think about as a property owner. Fire is at the top of the list, as it can arise anywhere and at any time. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated an incredible $8.9 billion in property damage in the United States due to residential fires in 2021. In the same year, there were more than 350,000 documented incidents. Luckily, there are things you can do to keep them from taking place|. Learn more about the causes and how to prevent house fires in Scranton.

What starts residential fires in Scranton?

Fires can sprout up anywhere and without notice, whether ignited by a smoldering cigarette in a garbage can or an unattended stovetop. Here are the leading causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Flare-ups in the kitchen are the most frequent sorts of residential fires in Scranton and elsewhere. Neglected stovetops are the primary culprit, so always keep an eye on that hot skillet when cooking. It’s also important to note that soaking a grease fire with water will only make things worse.
• Heating: Space heaters are a well-known cause of residential fires. Running them for long time periods can cause internal components to break down and spark. Placing heaters near combustible fabrics like bedding and curtains or using damaged cords may also lead to disaster. Other heating devices, such as HVAC systems and fireplaces, might cause fires and need to be checked frequently.
• Electrical: Outdated wiring, malfunctioning outlets, and overburdened extension cords are some ways electrical problems cause fires. Don’t ever run an appliance with a damaged cord, and ensure combustible materials like paper aren’t layed on top of a lampshade, get it inspected promptly.
• Candles: If there's a flame, there's a chance of fire. Residential fires due to candles are still commonplace and typically result from carelessness. Placing candles next to flammable objects like drapes or having them within range of a rambunctious pet 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 announced that 7,800 residential fires were a result of smoking in 2021. Falling asleep with a cigarette in hand or prematurely throwing out smoldering ashes can bring about devastating results.

The most effective way to prevent house fires in Scranton is to eliminate careless behavior. Always pay attention when cooking, don’t ever leave a candle burning, and dispose of cigarettes properly. If you must operate a space heater, do so infrequently and use one that includes an automatic shut-off safety precaution in the event it is knocked over.

Protect your family with a monitored fire alarm in Scranton

You ought to have smoke detectors on each floor and more by bedrooms. But you can take your home’s safety a step further with a monitored fire alarm. These innovative safety components will not only detect smoke but can also be triggered due to extreme heat. Additionally, since they integrate into your modern smart home, they’ll alert you and your monitoring representatives whenever a disaster occurs. This is a worthwhile feature, particularly when you’re not home to hear the alarm and call the fire department yourself.

Protect against known risks with a Vivint smart home in Scranton

Upgrade the safety of your household today with a Vivint smart home. You can personalize our systems with monitored fire alarms, CO detectors, and flood sensors. You’ll be appreciative of the instant updates to your cell phone and the reassurance that you enjoy with professional monitoring. Dial (570) 775-5689 to speak with a skilled Vivint professional.