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

When you own a home, there are a wide range of hazards to consider. Fire is at the top of the list, as it can happen in any place and at any time. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated an astounding $8.9 billion in property damage in the United States due to residential fires in 2021. In the same year, there were over 350,000 recorded occurrences. Thankfully, there are things you can do to stay clear of them. Learn more about the causes and how to prevent house fires in Allentown.

What sparks residential fires in Allentown?

Fires can start in any location and without notice, whether sparked by a discarded cigarette in a trash can or an unattended stovetop. Here are the top causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Flare-ups in the kitchen are the most frequent sorts of residential fires in Allentown and elsewhere. Ignored stovetops are the primary cause, so always pay attention to that smoking skillet when cooking. It’s also important to note that putting water on a grease fire will only make things worse.
• Heating: Space heaters are a well-known cause of residential fires. Using them for too long can cause inner pieces to break down and spark. Damaged cords and putting heaters near flammable objects like blankets or drapes can also lead to devastating results. Other heating devices, such as HVAC systems and fireplaces, could cause fires and should be examined frequently.
• Electrical: Worn out wiring, defective outlets, and overwhelmed extension cords are a few of the ways electrical complications lead to fires. If you notice sparking, flickering lights, or strange odors, get it inspected immediately.
• Candles: Whenever there's a flame, there's a chance of fire. Residential fires due to candles are still frequently reported and typically result from people being careless. Using candles in close proximity to combustible materials like curtains or having them within range of a rambunctious pet will often produce disastrous results.
• Smoking: Even with the overall decline in smoking across the nation, it’s still a primary fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated that 7,800 residential fires were a result of smoking in 2021. Dozing off with a cigarette in hand or disposing of smoldering ashes carelessly can cause catastrophic results.

The best way to prevent house fires in Allentown is to be careful at all times. Always keep an eye on things when cooking, don’t leave a candle unattended, and properly get rid of cigarettes. If you have to operate a space heater, do so in short intervals and use one that includes an automatic shut-off safety precaution in the event it tips over.

Protect your family with a monitored fire alarm in Allentown

You ought to have smoke detectors on each floor and consider using more by bedrooms. But you can take your home’s safety a step further with a monitored fire alarm. These modern safety devices will not only recognize smoke but can also be triggered due to extreme heat. Furthermore, since they integrate into your modern smart home, they’ll notify you and your monitoring professionals whenever a crisis strikes. This is a worthwhile perk, specifically when you’re not around to hear the alarm and call the fire department.

Protect against known dangers with a Vivint smart home in Allentown

Upgrade the safety of your residence today with a Vivint smart home. You can customize our systems with monitored fire alarms, water sensors, and carbon monoxide detectors. You’ll appreciate the instant notifications to your smartphone and the 24-hour support that you get with professional monitoring. Dial (601) 514-6514 to get started.