Top causes of residential fires in Newark and how to avoid them

There are a plethora of hazards you must think about as a property owner. Fire is chief among them, as it can arise in various places and anytime. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated a stunning $8.9 billion in property damage in the United States as a result of residential fires in 2021. Also during this year, there were in excess of 350,000 documented occurrences. Luckily, there are steps you can take to stay clear of them. Investigate the causes and how to prevent house fires in Newark.

What starts residential fires in Newark?

Fires can begin anywhere and without warning, whether sparked by a burning cigarette in a waste container or an ignored stovetop. Here are the most common causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Flare-ups in the kitchen are the most widespread kinds of residential fires in Newark and all other areas. Ignored stovetops are the chief origin, so always keep an eye on that hot skillet when cooking. It’s also important to note that drenching a grease fire with water will only make matters worse.
• Heating: Portable heaters are a well-known cause of residential fires. Running them for extended periods can cause inner pieces to break down and spark. Damaged cords and situating heaters next to combustible items like blankets or curtains can also lead to disaster. Other types of heating, such as fireplaces and furnaces, may cause fires and should be examined periodically.
• Electrical: Worn out wiring, faulty outlets, and overburdened extension cords are a few of the ways electrical complications result in fires. If you discern burning smells, sparking, or flickering lights, get it checked out promptly.
• Candles: When there's a flame, there's a chance of fire. Residential fires caused by candles are still all too common and typically result from people being careless. Situating them within an area reachable by pets or near ignitable items will lead to disaster.
• Smoking: Even with the overall decrease in smoking across the country, it’s still a primary fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated that 7,800 residential fires were a result of smoking in 2021. Dozing off with a cigarette in hand or prematurely disposing of smoldering ashes can give rise to destructive results.

The most effective way to prevent house fires in Newark is to steer clear of reckless behavior. Always watch closely when cooking, never leave a candle burning unattended, and get rid of cigarettes properly. If you need to use a space heater, do so sparingly and get one that has an automatic shut-off switch in case it tips over.

Safeguard your home with a monitored fire alarm in Newark

You ought to have smoke detectors on every floor and think about installing more next to sleeping areas. But you can take your protection to a new level with a monitored fire alarm. These innovative safety components will not only detect smoke but can also trigger due to extreme heat. In addition, because they are part of your modern smart home, they’ll warn you and your monitoring specialists whenever a crisis strikes. This is a nice perk, particularly when you’re not around to hear the alarm and call the fire department.

Defend against common risks with a Vivint smart home in Newark

Upgrade the safety of your residence today with a Vivint smart home. You can custom design our systems with monitored fire alarms, CO detectors, and flood sensors. You’ll appreciate the instant alerts to your smartphone and the reassurance that comes with professional monitoring. Place a call to (973) 566-5423 to get started.