Common causes of residential fires in West Bloomfield and how to avoid them

When you own a home, there are a wide range of threats to consider. Fire is at the top of the list, as it can happen anywhere and at any time. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated an astounding $8.9 billion in property damage across the United States as a result of residential fires in 2021. That same year, there were in excess of 350,000 recorded incidents. Fortunately, there are things you can do to avoid them. Learn more about the causes and how to prevent house fires in West Bloomfield.

What causes residential fires in West Bloomfield?

Fires can sprout up anywhere and without warning, whether caused by a smoldering cigarette in a waste container or a neglected stovetop. Here are the top causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Flare-ups in the kitchen are the most widespread types of residential fires in West Bloomfield and elsewhere. Unattended stovetops are the main cause, so always keep an eye on that scorching skillet when making dinner. It’s also essential to note that throwing water on a grease fire will only make matters worse.
• Heating: Space heaters are well known for causing residential fires. Running them for lengthy periods may cause inner pieces to degrade and catch fire. Putting heaters next to flammable objects like bed sheets and drapery or using damaged cords will also lead to disastrous results. Other types of heating, such as fireplaces and furnaces, might cause fires and need to be examined frequently.
• Electrical: Worn out wiring, malfunctioning outlets, and overburdened extension cords are some ways electrical issues lead to fires. Never operate an appliance with a damaged cord, and ensure flammable objects like paper aren’t placed on a lampshade, get it investigated immediately.
• Candles: If there's a flame, there's a chance of fire. Residential fires caused by candles are still commonplace and typically result from carelessness. Using candles too close to ignitable items like drapery or having them within range of a curious pet will lead to disaster.
• 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 a result of smoking in 2021. Falling asleep with a cigarette in hand or disposing of smoldering ashes too soon can give rise to devastating results.

The best way to prevent house fires in West Bloomfield is to avoid careless behavior. Always pay attention when cooking, don’t leave a candle burning, and dispose of cigarettes properly. If you have to run 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 West Bloomfield

You ought to have smoke detectors on every floor and think about installing more near sleeping areas. But you can take your home’s safety to a new level with a monitored fire alarm. These beneficial safety components will not only discern smoke but can also be triggered due to elevated heat levels. Additionally, since they integrate into your modern smart home, they’ll warn you and your monitoring representatives whenever a disaster strikes. This is a nice perk, specifically when you’re not around to hear the alarm and call the fire department yourself.

Safeguard your home against various threats with a Vivint smart home in West Bloomfield

Elevate the safety of your residence today with a Vivint smart home. You can custom design our systems with monitored fire alarms, CO detectors, and flood sensors. You’ll be appreciative of the instant updates to your smartphone and the peace of mind that you enjoy with professional monitoring. Dial (248) 963-1801 to get started.