Top causes of residential fires in Stockton and how to prevent them

There are numerous perils you need to think about as a homeowner. Fire is at the top of the list, as it can happen in any place and at any moment. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated a stunning $8.9 billion in property damage across the United States due to residential fires in 2021. Also during this year, there were over 350,000 noted incidents. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to avoid them. Take a look at the causes and how to prevent house fires in Stockton.

What starts residential fires in Stockton?

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

• Cooking: Kitchen flare-ups are the most frequent kinds of residential fires in Stockton and everywhere else. Neglected stovetops are the primary origin, so always watch that hot skillet when making a meal. It’s also important to note that dousing a grease fire with water will only make matters worse.
• Heating: Space heaters are well known for causing residential fires. Running them for long time periods can result in internal elements degrading and catching fire. Putting heaters near flammable materials like bedding and drapery or using damaged cords will also lead to devastating results. Other types of heating, such as HVAC systems and fireplaces, may cause fires and should be examined regularly.
• Electrical: Old wiring, defective outlets, and overwhelmed extension cords are a few of the ways electrical issues lead to fires. Don’t ever run an appliance with a frayed cord, and ensure ignitable materials like paper aren’t placed on a lampshade, get it inspected immediately.
• Candles: When there's a flame, there's the potential for fire. Residential fires from candles are still frequently reported and often result from careless behavior. Placing them within a pet’s domain or next to combustible items will lead to disaster.
• Smoking: Even with the overall reduction in smoking across the nation, it’s still an undeniable fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration announced that 7,800 residential fires were caused by smoking in 2021. Dozing off with a cigarette still burning or disposing of smoldering ashes too soon can bring about devastating results.

The best way to prevent house fires in Stockton is to be attentive at all times. Always watch closely when cooking, don’t leave a candle burning unattended, and properly dispose of cigarettes. If you have to use a space heater, do so infrequently and invest in one that includes an automatic shut-off safety precaution in the event it overturns.

Safeguard your home with a monitored fire alarm in Stockton

You should have smoke detectors on all floors and consider using more near bedrooms. But you can take your safety a step further with a monitored fire alarm. These innovative safety features will not only recognize smoke but can also be triggered due to extreme heat. Additionally, because they incorporate into your modern smart home, they’ll warn you and your monitoring professionals whenever an emergency strikes. This is a worthwhile perk, particularly when you’re not there to hear the alarm and phone the fire department yourself.

Defend against common dangers with a Vivint smart home in Stockton

Upgrade the safety of your residence today with a Vivint smart home. You can custom design our systems with monitored fire alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and water sensors. You’ll appreciate the instant updates to your cell phone and the peace of mind that comes with professional monitoring. Place a call to (209) 379-0036 to get started.