Leading causes of residential fires in Ann Arbor and how to prevent them

When you own a home, there are a wide range of hazards to think about. Fire is foremost among them, as it can arise in various places and at any moment. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated an incredible $8.9 billion in property damage in the United States due to residential fires in 2021. In the same year, there were over 350,000 noted fires. Luckily, there are things you can do to keep them from happening|. Take a look at the causes and how to prevent house fires in Ann Arbor.

What sparks residential fires in Ann Arbor?

Fires can begin anywhere and without notice, whether ignited by a smoldering cigarette in a trash can or a neglected stovetop. Here are the most common causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Kitchen flare-ups are the most widespread kinds of residential fires in Ann Arbor and all other areas. Unattended stovetops are the chief culprit, so always keep an eye on 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 established as a cause of residential fires. Running them for lengthy periods might cause inner pieces to degrade and ignite. Frayed cords and placing heaters near flammable materials like blankets or drapes will also lead to disaster. Other heating elements, such as fireplaces and furnaces, could cause fires and should be inspected regularly.
• Electrical: Outdated wiring, malfunctioning outlets, and overloaded extension cords are some ways electrical complications lead to fires. If you discern flickering lights, sparking from an outlet, or odd odors, get it inspected right away.
• Candles: If there's a flame, there's the possibility of fire. Residential fires from candles are still frequently reported and usually result from careless behavior. Situating them within an area reachable by pets or next to combustible items will often produce disastrous results.
• Smoking: Despite the overall decline in smoking across the country, it’s still an unquestionable fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated that 7,800 residential fires were a result of smoking in 2021. Dozing off while holding a cigarette or disposing of smoldering ashes prematurely can cause devastating results.

The primary way to prevent house fires in Ann Arbor is to be attentive at all times. Always watch closely when cooking, don’t ever leave a candle burning unattended, and properly get rid of cigarettes. If you have to operate a space heater, do so in short intervals and invest in one that has an automatic shut-off feature in case it overturns.

Safeguard your home with a monitored fire alarm in Ann Arbor

You should have smoke detectors on each floor and more by sleeping quarters. But you can take your safety to a new level with a monitored fire alarm. These beneficial safety features will not only recognize smoke but can also be triggered due to extreme heat. In addition, since they are part of your modern smart home, they’ll notify you and your monitoring representatives whenever a crisis takes place. This is a worthwhile feature, specifically when you’re not home to hear the alarm and phone the fire department yourself.

Defend against various dangers with a Vivint smart home in Ann Arbor

Enhance the safety of your household 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 mobile device and the 24-hour support that comes with professional monitoring. Place a call to (734) 206-7166 to get started.