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

When you own a home, there are many risks to consider. Fire is chief among them, as it can arise anywhere 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 noted occurrences. Fortunately, there are actions you can take to keep them from taking place|. Take a look at the causes and how to prevent house fires in Mesa.

What starts residential fires in Mesa?

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

• Cooking: Flare-ups in the kitchen are the most common types of residential fires in Mesa and everywhere else. Unattended stovetops are the primary cause, so always watch that hot skillet when making dinner. It’s also worth nothing that putting water on a grease fire will only make things worse.
• Heating: Space heaters are a well-known cause of residential fires. Operating them for extended time periods can cause internal pieces to break down and ignite. Putting heaters next to flammable textiles like bed sheets and curtains or using frayed cords will also lead to disaster. Other types of heating, such as fireplaces and furnaces, may cause fires and need to be inspected regularly.
• Electrical: Worn out wiring, defective outlets, and overloaded extension cords are a few of the ways electrical issues lead to fires. Don’t ever use an appliance with a frayed cord, and ensure combustible objects like paper aren’t layed on top of a lampshade, get it investigated right away.
• Candles: When there's a flame, there's the potential for fire. Residential fires caused by candles are still frequently reported and typically result from people being careless. Placing them within an area reachable by pets or next to combustible materials will lead to disaster.
• Smoking: In spite of the overall reduction 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 still burning or prematurely disposing of smoldering ashes can bring about devastating results.

The best way to prevent house fires in Mesa is to be diligent at all times. Always watch closely when cooking, don’t leave a candle burning, and properly get rid of cigarettes. If you need to operate a space heater, do so in short intervals and invest in one that includes an automatic shut-off safety precaution in the event it tips over.

Get help quickly with a monitored fire alarm in Mesa

You ought to have smoke detectors on each floor and think about installing more next to sleeping quarters. But you can take your protection to another level with a monitored fire alarm. These innovative safety devices will not only recognize smoke but can also be triggered due to extreme heat. In addition, since they integrate into your modern smart home, they’ll notify you and your monitoring professionals whenever a crisis takes place. This is a nice perk, particularly when you’re not there to hear the alarm and contact the fire department.

Safeguard your home against various dangers with a Vivint smart home in Mesa

Enhance the protection of your residence today with a Vivint smart home. You can customize our systems with monitored fire alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and water sensors. You’ll be appreciative of the instant alerts to your mobile device and the 24-hour support that comes with professional monitoring. Place a call to (480) 568-6350 to speak with a skilled Vivint professional.