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

When you own a home, there are numerous hazards to think about. Fire is at the top of the list, as it can occur anywhere and anytime. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated an incredible $8.9 billion in property damage across the United States because of residential fires in 2021. In the same year, there were over 350,000 documented incidents. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to stay clear of them. Learn more about the causes and how to prevent house fires in Detroit.

What sparks residential fires in Detroit?

Fires can sprout up in any location and without warning, whether ignited by a discarded cigarette in a waste container or an unattended stovetop. Here are the leading causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Incidents in the kitchen are the most common kinds of residential fires in Detroit and elsewhere. Neglected stovetops are the main source, so always keep an eye on that scorching skillet when making a meal. It’s also worth nothing that throwing water on a grease fire will only make things worse.
• Heating: Portable heaters are a well-known cause of residential fires. Using them for extended periods might cause inner parts to wear out and catch fire. Worn cords and putting heaters by flammable materials like bedding or window coverings will also lead to devastating results. Other heating devices, such as fireplaces and furnaces, could cause fires and need to be inspected regularly.
• Electrical: Old wiring, faulty outlets, and overwhelmed extension cords are several of the ways electrical issues lead to fires. Don’t run an appliance with a tattered cord, and ensure flammable materials like paper aren’t put on top of a lampshade, get it investigated right away.
• Candles: Whenever there's a flame, there's a chance of fire. Residential fires caused by candles are still commonplace and usually result from people being careless. Putting them within reach of pets or near ignitable items will often produce disastrous results.
• Smoking: Despite the overall decline in smoking across the nation, it’s still a primary fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated that 7,800 residential fires were started by smoking in 2021. Dozing off with a cigarette still burning or prematurely discarding smoldering ashes can give rise to catastrophic results.

The most effective way to prevent house fires in Detroit is to be diligent at all times. Always keep an eye on things when cooking, don’t ever leave a candle unattended, and properly dispose of cigarettes. If you need to use a space heater, do so sparingly and use one that offers an automatic shut-off switch in case it is knocked over.

Safeguard your home with a monitored fire alarm in Detroit

You ought to have smoke detectors on each floor and think about installing more next to bedrooms. But you can take your home’s safety to another level with a monitored fire alarm. These innovative safety features will not only discern smoke but can also be tripped due to rising heat. Additionally, considering they incorporate into your modern smart home, they’ll notify you and your monitoring professionals whenever a disaster takes place. This is a worthwhile feature, especially when you’re not there to hear the alarm and contact the fire department.

Protect against various dangers with a Vivint smart home in Detroit

Elevate the safety of your residence today with a Vivint smart home. You can customize our systems with monitored fire alarms, CO detectors, and flood sensors. You’ll appreciate the instant notifications to your cell phone and the reassurance that you get with professional monitoring. Contact (313) 766-2527 to talk with a Vivint representative.