Common causes of residential fires in Salinas and how to avoid them

When you own a home, there are numerous hazards to keep in mind. Fire is foremost among them, as it can occur anywhere and anytime. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated an incredible $8.9 billion in property damage in the United States as a result of residential fires in 2021. Also during this year, there were more than 350,000 reported incidents. Thankfully, there are things you can do to keep them from happening|. Learn more about the causes and how to prevent house fires in Salinas.

What causes residential fires in Salinas?

Fires can start in any location and without notice, whether caused by a smoldering cigarette in a waste container or an ignored stovetop. Here are the most common causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Incidents in the kitchen are the most common types of residential fires in Salinas and everywhere else. Ignored stovetops are the main origin, so always pay attention to that smoking skillet when making dinner. It’s also important to note that drenching a grease fire with water will only make matters worse.
• Heating: Space heaters are well established as a cause of residential fires. Using them for too long may cause internal parts to wear out and ignite. Putting heaters near combustible materials like blankets and curtains or using worn cords can also lead to disaster. Other heating devices, such as furnaces and fireplaces, might cause fires and ought to be checked periodically.
• Electrical: Old wiring, malfunctioning outlets, and overwhelmed extension cords are some ways electrical problems lead to fires. If you discern sparking, flickering lights, or strange odors, get it investigated promptly.
• Candles: If there's a flame, there's the possibility of fire. Residential fires due to candles are still frequently reported and typically result from careless behavior. Placing candles too close to ignitable items like drapery or leaving them within the domain of a rambunctious pet will often produce disastrous results.
• Smoking: Even with the overall decline in smoking across the nation, it’s still an unquestionable fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration announced that 7,800 residential fires were caused by smoking in 2021. Nodding off with a cigarette in hand or disposing of smoldering ashes prematurely can cause destructive results.

The most effective way to prevent house fires in Salinas is to be attentive at all times. Always pay attention when cooking, never leave a candle unattended, and get rid of cigarettes properly. If you have to run a space heater, do so sparingly and get one that offers an automatic shut-off feature in case it is knocked over.

Protect your family with a monitored fire alarm in Salinas

You ought to have smoke detectors on each floor and more next to sleeping quarters. But you can take your protection a step further with a monitored fire alarm. These innovative safety components will not only recognize smoke but can also be tripped due to elevated heat levels. In addition, considering they integrate into your modern smart home, they’ll warn you and your monitoring specialists whenever a disaster takes place. This is a notable feature, particularly when you’re not there to hear the alarm and phone the fire department.

Defend against common dangers with a Vivint smart home in Salinas

Upgrade the safety of your residence today with a Vivint smart home. You may customize our systems with monitored fire alarms, CO detectors, and flood sensors. You’ll be appreciative of the instant notifications to your cell phone and the 24-hour support that comes with professional monitoring. Contact (831) 400-5196 to talk with a Vivint representative.