Top causes of residential fires in Sioux City and how to avoid them

There are a plethora of perils you need to think about as a homeowner. Fire is chief among them, as it can occur in various places and at any moment. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated an incredible $8.9 billion in property damage throughout the United States as a result of residential fires in 2021. Also during this year, there were more than 350,000 recorded occurrences. Luckily, there are actions you can take to keep them from happening|. Investigate the causes and how to prevent house fires in Sioux City.

What starts residential fires in Sioux City?

Fires can sprout up in any location and without warning, whether caused by a smoldering cigarette in a waste container or an unattended stovetop. Here are the leading causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Flare-ups in the kitchen are the most widespread types of residential fires in Sioux City and all other areas. Neglected stovetops are the primary culprit, so always keep an eye on that scorching skillet when cooking. It’s also essential to note that throwing water on a grease fire will only worsen the situation.
• Heating: Portable heaters are well known for causing residential fires. Operating them for too long can result in inner parts degrading and igniting. Situating heaters next to flammable materials like bed sheets and drapery or using worn cords will also lead to disaster. Other types of heating, such as HVAC systems and fireplaces, could cause fires and need to be examined frequently.
• Electrical: Old wiring, defective outlets, and overwhelmed extension cords are some ways electrical problems lead to fires. If you notice sparking, flickering lights, or strange odors, get it checked out right away.
• Candles: Whenever there's a flame, there's the possibility of fire. Residential fires due to candles are still frequently reported and often result from carelessness. Placing candles too close to flammable materials like drapery or leaving them within the reach of an inquisitive pet will often produce disastrous results.
• Smoking: Despite the overall decrease in smoking across the nation, it’s still an unquestionable fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated that 7,800 residential fires were a result of smoking in 2021. Nodding off while holding a cigarette or discarding smoldering ashes prematurely can give rise to catastrophic results.

The best way to prevent house fires in Sioux City is to avoid reckless behavior. Always keep an eye on things when cooking, never leave a candle unattended, and properly discard cigarettes. If you need to use a space heater, do so infrequently and invest in one that offers an automatic shut-off safety precaution in the event it overturns.

Protect your family with a monitored fire alarm in Sioux City

You should have smoke detectors on each floor and think about installing more by sleeping areas. But you can take your home’s safety a step further with a monitored fire alarm. These beneficial safety devices will not only recognize smoke but can also be tripped due to elevated heat levels. Furthermore, considering they are part of your modern smart home, they’ll alert you and your monitoring professionals whenever a disaster occurs. This is a notable feature, specifically when you’re not home to hear the alarm and phone the fire department yourself.

Safeguard your home against common threats with a Vivint smart home in Sioux City

Elevate the safety of your residence today with a Vivint smart home. You may custom design our systems with monitored fire alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and water sensors. You’ll be appreciative of the instant updates to your mobile device and the peace of mind that you enjoy with professional monitoring. Dial (712) 600-3453 to get started.