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

There are many hazards you must consider as a homeowner. Fire is chief among them, as it can happen in various places and at any time. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated an astounding $8.9 billion in property damage across the United States due to residential fires in 2021. That same year, there were over 350,000 documented occurrences. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to prevent them. Investigate the causes and how to prevent house fires in Rochester.

What causes residential fires in Rochester?

Fires can begin in any location and without warning, whether sparked by a smoldering cigarette in a garbage can or an ignored stovetop. Here are the leading causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Incidents in the kitchen are the most widespread types of residential fires in Rochester and elsewhere. Neglected stovetops are the main source, so always keep an eye on that scorching skillet when cooking. It’s also worth nothing that dousing a grease fire with water will only worsen the situation.
• Heating: Portable heaters are well established as a cause of residential fires. Using them for too long may cause inner pieces to degrade and ignite. Putting heaters near combustible objects like bed sheets and curtains or using damaged cords can also lead to disaster. Other types of heating, such as furnaces and fireplaces, may cause fires and need to be checked regularly.
• Electrical: Old wiring, defective outlets, and overburdened extension cords are several of the ways electrical problems lead to fires. Never run an appliance with a tattered cord, and make certain ignitable substances like paper aren’t put on top of a lampshade, get it checked out right away.
• Candles: Wherever there's a flame, there's the possibility of fire. Residential fires caused by candles are still frequently reported and typically result from careless behavior. Situating them within reach of pets or too close to ignitable objects will often produce disastrous results.
• Smoking: In spite of the overall decrease in smoking nationwide, it’s still a primary fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated that 7,800 residential fires were started by smoking in 2021. Falling asleep with a cigarette in hand or prematurely disposing of smoldering ashes can cause catastrophic results.

The most effective way to prevent house fires in Rochester is to be diligent at all times. Always pay attention when cooking, don’t ever leave a candle burning, and properly get rid of cigarettes. If you must use a space heater, do so sparingly and invest in one that includes an automatic shut-off feature in case it overturns.

Protect your family with a monitored fire alarm in Rochester

You should have smoke detectors on every floor and think about installing more near sleeping areas. But you can take your home’s safety a step further with a monitored fire alarm. These innovative safety devices will not only detect smoke but can also trigger due to rising heat. Additionally, considering they are part of your modern smart home, they’ll alert you and your monitoring specialists whenever a disaster occurs. This is a notable feature, especially when you’re not around to hear the alarm and phone the fire department yourself.

Defend against common dangers with a Vivint smart home in Rochester

Enhance the safety of your household 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 notifications to your mobile device and the reassurance that you enjoy with professional monitoring. Dial (507) 710-3863 to get started.