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

When you own a home, there are many threats to consider. Fire is chief among them, as it can occur anywhere and at any time. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated a stunning $8.9 billion in property damage in the United States because of residential fires in 2021. In the same year, there were in excess of 350,000 documented occurrences. Fortunately, there are actions you can take to keep them from taking place|. Learn more about the causes and how to prevent house fires in Tempe.

What causes residential fires in Tempe?

Fires can begin in any location and without warning, whether caused by a smoldering cigarette in a trash can or an unattended stovetop. Here are the most common causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Flare-ups in the kitchen are the most widespread kinds of residential fires in Tempe and elsewhere. Ignored stovetops are the chief origin, so always pay attention to that smoking skillet when making a meal. It’s also worth nothing that soaking a grease fire with water will only make things worse.
• Heating: Portable heaters are well established as a cause of residential fires. Operating them for too long may result in internal elements degrading and sparking. Frayed cords and placing heaters near combustible objects like bedding or curtains can also lead to devastating results. Other heating devices, such as HVAC systems and fireplaces, may cause fires and should be checked regularly.
• Electrical: Worn out wiring, faulty outlets, and overwhelmed extension cords are several of the ways electrical complications result in fires. Don’t operate an appliance with a frayed cord, and make sure combustible objects like paper aren’t put on top of a lampshade, get it inspected right away.
• Candles: When there's a flame, there's the potential for fire. Residential fires caused by candles are still commonplace and often result from carelessness. Situating them within an area reachable by pets or too close to flammable materials will often produce disastrous results.
• Smoking: In spite of the overall decline in smoking across the country, it’s still a primary 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 give rise to catastrophic results.

The primary way to prevent house fires in Tempe is to steer clear of reckless behavior. Always keep an eye on things when cooking, don’t ever leave a candle burning, and properly get rid of cigarettes. If you have to use a space heater, do so in short intervals and use one that includes an automatic shut-off safety precaution in the event it overturns.

Protect your family with a monitored fire alarm in Tempe

You should have smoke detectors on all floors and more near 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 tripped due to extreme heat. In addition, because they are part of your modern smart home, they’ll warn you and your monitoring representatives whenever a disaster strikes. This is a notable perk, specifically when you’re not there to hear the alarm and phone the fire department.

Protect against common threats with a Vivint smart home in Tempe

Enhance the safety of your property today with a Vivint smart home. You may customize our systems with monitored fire alarms, water sensors, and carbon monoxide detectors. You’ll be appreciative of the instant alerts to your mobile device and the peace of mind that comes with professional monitoring. Dial (480) 360-6677 to talk with a Vivint representative.