Top causes of residential fires in Dayton and how to avoid them

There are a plethora of hazards you must think about as a homeowner. Fire is foremost among them, as it can arise in various places and anytime. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated an incredible $8.9 billion in property damage in the United States as a result of residential fires in 2021. That same year, there were over 350,000 reported incidents. Fortunately, there are things you can do to avoid them. Learn more about the causes and how to prevent house fires in Dayton.

What sparks residential fires in Dayton?

Fires can sprout up anywhere and without notice, whether caused by a discarded cigarette in a garbage can or an ignored stovetop. Here are the most common causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Kitchen flare-ups are the most widespread types of residential fires in Dayton and all other areas. Neglected stovetops are the primary source, so always watch that smoking skillet when making dinner. It’s also essential to note that dousing a grease fire with water will only make things worse.
• Heating: Space heaters are well known for causing residential fires. Using them for extended amounts of time can cause internal components to degrade and spark. Placing heaters near combustible materials like bedding and drapes or using frayed cords will also lead to disastrous results. Other heating devices, such as furnaces and fireplaces, may cause fires and need to be checked periodically.
• Electrical: Old wiring, malfunctioning outlets, and overloaded extension cords are several of the ways electrical complications lead to fires. If you notice flickering lights, sparking from an outlet, or odd odors, get it inspected immediately.
• Candles: Whenever there's a flame, there's the potential for fire. Residential fires caused by candles are still all too common and typically result from careless behavior. Placing them within a pet’s domain or too close to combustible objects will often produce disastrous results.
• Smoking: Despite the overall reduction in smoking across the country, it’s still a primary fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration announced that 7,800 residential fires were started by smoking in 2021. Nodding off with a cigarette still burning or prematurely discarding smoldering ashes can bring about devastating results.

The most effective way to prevent house fires in Dayton is to be diligent at all times. Always keep an eye on things when cooking, never leave a candle burning unattended, and properly discard cigarettes. If you need to operate a space heater, do so sparingly and invest in one that offers an automatic shut-off switch in case it is knocked over.

Protect your family with a monitored fire alarm in Dayton

You need to have smoke detectors on every floor and think about installing more near bedrooms. But you can take your safety to a new level with a monitored fire alarm. These modern safety components will not only recognize smoke but can also be tripped due to extreme heat. Additionally, considering they incorporate into your modern smart home, they’ll alert you and your monitoring specialists whenever a crisis takes place. This is a worthwhile perk, particularly when you’re not home to hear the alarm and call the fire department yourself.

Protect against common threats with a Vivint smart home in Dayton

Enhance the protection of your household today with a Vivint smart home. You may customize our systems with monitored fire alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and water sensors. You’ll be thankful for the instant notifications to your cell phone and the peace of mind that you get with professional monitoring. Dial (937) 888-2339 to get started.