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

There are many dangers you must keep in mind as a homeowner. Fire is chief among them, as it can happen in various places 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. Also during this year, there were over 350,000 noted incidents. Thankfully, there are things you can do to stay clear of them. Learn more about the causes and how to prevent house fires in Modesto.

What sparks residential fires in Modesto?

Fires can begin in any location and without warning, whether ignited by a burning cigarette in a trash can or an ignored stovetop. Here are the most common causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Kitchen flare-ups are the most frequent types of residential fires in Modesto and everywhere else. Unattended stovetops are the primary culprit, so always watch that hot skillet when making dinner. It’s also worth nothing that dumping water on a grease fire will only worsen the situation.
• Heating: Portable heaters are a well-known cause of residential fires. Operating them for extended periods may cause inner components to break down and spark. Worn cords and situating heaters by combustible items like bedding or drapes may also lead to disastrous results. Other types of heating, such as HVAC systems and fireplaces, may cause fires and need to be examined regularly.
• Electrical: Worn out wiring, faulty outlets, and overwhelmed extension cords are several of the ways electrical complications result in fires. Don’t operate an appliance with a frayed cord, and ensure ignitable objects like paper aren’t put on top of a lampshade, get it checked out immediately.
• Candles: Wherever there's a flame, there's a chance of fire. Residential fires from candles are still all too common and usually result from careless behavior. Putting them within reach of pets or too close to flammable materials will lead to disaster.
• Smoking: In spite of the overall reduction in smoking across the nation, it’s still an undeniable fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated that 7,800 residential fires were a result of smoking in 2021. Falling asleep with a cigarette still burning or prematurely throwing out smoldering ashes can give rise to destructive results.

The best way to prevent house fires in Modesto is to be diligent at all times. Always watch closely when cooking, never leave a candle unattended, and properly discard cigarettes. If you need to operate a space heater, do so in short intervals and get one that offers an automatic shut-off switch in the event it tips over.

Get help quickly with a monitored fire alarm in Modesto

You should have smoke detectors on all floors and think about installing more near sleeping areas. But you can take your safety a step further with a monitored fire alarm. These beneficial safety components will not only recognize smoke but can also trigger due to elevated heat levels. Furthermore, since they are part of your modern smart home, they’ll warn you and your monitoring specialists whenever a crisis takes place. This is a worthwhile perk, specifically when you’re not around to hear the alarm and call the fire department yourself.

Safeguard your home against common risks with a Vivint smart home in Modesto

Enhance the safety of your household today with a Vivint smart home. You can customize our systems with monitored fire alarms, water sensors, and carbon monoxide detectors. You’ll be appreciative of the instant alerts to your mobile device and the reassurance that you get with professional monitoring. Contact (209) 255-5672 to talk with a Vivint representative.