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

When you own a home, there are many hazards to think about. Fire is foremost among them, as it can occur anywhere and anytime. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated an astounding $8.9 billion in property damage in the United States because of residential fires in 2021. That same year, there were more than 350,000 reported fires. Fortunately, there are things you can do to keep them from happening|. Take a look at the causes and how to prevent house fires in Buffalo.

What sparks residential fires in Buffalo?

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

• Cooking: Kitchen flare-ups are the most frequent kinds of residential fires in Buffalo and all other areas. Ignored stovetops are the chief culprit, so always pay attention to that hot skillet when making a meal. It’s also important to note that soaking a grease fire with water will only make matters worse.
• Heating: Space heaters are a well-known cause of residential fires. Using them for too long might cause internal pieces to wear out and catch fire. Damaged cords and placing heaters by combustible items like bed sheets or curtains can also lead to disastrous results. Other heating elements, such as HVAC systems and fireplaces, could cause fires and should be checked periodically.
• Electrical: Outdated wiring, malfunctioning outlets, and overburdened extension cords are a few of the ways electrical issues lead to fires. If you discern burning smells, sparking, or flickering lights, get it investigated immediately.
• Candles: When there's a flame, there's the potential for fire. Residential fires from candles are still all too common and typically result from careless behavior. Situating them within a pet’s domain or near combustible objects will lead to disaster.
• Smoking: In spite of the overall decrease in smoking nationwide, it’s still an unquestionable fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration announced that 7,800 residential fires were a result of smoking in 2021. Falling asleep while holding a cigarette or disposing of smoldering ashes carelessly can cause devastating results.

The most effective way to prevent house fires in Buffalo is to steer clear of negligent behavior. Always pay attention when cooking, don’t leave a candle unattended, and discard cigarettes properly. If you have to operate a space heater, do so in short intervals and use one that has an automatic shut-off feature in case it tips over.

Safeguard your home with a monitored fire alarm in Buffalo

You should have smoke detectors on all floors and more by sleeping areas. But you can take your home’s safety a step further with a monitored fire alarm. These innovative safety features will not only detect smoke but can also be triggered due to extreme heat. In addition, considering they integrate into your modern smart home, they’ll notify you and your monitoring representatives whenever a crisis strikes. This is a notable feature, specifically when you’re not home to hear the alarm and call the fire department yourself.

Safeguard your home against known threats with a Vivint smart home in Buffalo

Upgrade the safety of your household 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 notifications to your cell phone and the reassurance that you enjoy with professional monitoring. Dial (716) 567-8226 to get started.