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

When you own a home, there are many risks to keep in mind. Fire is at the top of the list, as it can occur in any place and at any moment. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated an astounding $8.9 billion in property damage throughout the United States due to residential fires in 2021. In the same year, there were more than 350,000 documented fires. Luckily, there are actions you can take to keep them from taking place|. Investigate the causes and how to prevent house fires in Ithaca.

What causes residential fires in Ithaca?

Fires can sprout up in any spot and without warning, whether ignited by a burning cigarette in a garbage can or an ignored stovetop. Here are the leading causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Incidents in the kitchen are the most widespread sorts of residential fires in Ithaca and all other areas. Ignored stovetops are the main origin, so always keep an eye on that scorching skillet when cooking. It’s also essential to note that soaking a grease fire with water will only make things worse.
• Heating: Space heaters are well established as a cause of residential fires. Using them for too long can cause inner parts to break down and ignite. Placing heaters by combustible fabrics like bedding and curtains or using worn cords may also lead to disaster. Other heating devices, such as HVAC systems and fireplaces, could cause fires and ought to be inspected frequently.
• Electrical: Outdated wiring, defective outlets, and overloaded extension cords are some ways electrical issues cause fires. Whenever you notice sparking, flickering lights, or strange odors, get it checked out right away.
• Candles: When there's a flame, there's the potential for fire. Residential fires due to candles are still frequently reported and often result from carelessness. Placing candles too close to combustible items like curtains or leaving them within range of a curious pet will often produce disastrous results.
• Smoking: Despite the overall decrease in smoking across the country, it’s still an unquestionable fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated that 7,800 residential fires were started by smoking in 2021. Dozing off with a cigarette still burning or prematurely disposing of smoldering ashes can cause devastating results.

The most effective way to prevent house fires in Ithaca is to be attentive at all times. Always pay attention when cooking, don’t ever leave a candle burning unattended, and properly get rid of cigarettes. If you need to run a space heater, do so sparingly and use one that has an automatic shut-off feature in case it tips over.

Protect your family with a monitored fire alarm in Ithaca

You should have smoke detectors on all floors and more near bedrooms. But you can take your safety to a new level with a monitored fire alarm. These innovative safety devices will not only recognize smoke but can also be tripped due to elevated heat levels. Additionally, considering they incorporate into your modern smart home, they’ll alert you and your monitoring professionals whenever an emergency occurs. This is a nice feature, especially when you’re not home to hear the alarm and call the fire department.

Protect against known risks with a Vivint smart home in Ithaca

Upgrade 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 thankful for the instant notifications to your mobile device and the 24-hour support that you enjoy with professional monitoring. Contact (607) 600-9658 to talk with a Vivint representative.