Common causes of residential fires in San Diego and how to avoid them

There are many hazards you must consider as a homeowner. Fire is foremost among them, as it can arise anywhere and at any time. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated an incredible $8.9 billion in property damage in the United States because of residential fires in 2021. In the same year, there were in excess of 350,000 documented fires. Luckily, there are actions you can take to prevent them. Take a look at the causes and how to prevent house fires in San Diego.

What starts residential fires in San Diego?

Fires can sprout up in any spot and without warning, whether sparked by a burning cigarette in a waste container or a neglected stovetop. Here are the top causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Incidents in the kitchen are the most frequent sorts of residential fires in San Diego and everywhere else. Ignored stovetops are the primary cause, so always watch that scorching skillet when making a meal. It’s also important to note that putting water on a grease fire will only worsen the situation.
• Heating: Area heaters are well known for causing residential fires. Using them for too long might result in inner elements degrading and sparking. Frayed cords and putting heaters near flammable items like bed sheets or drapes will also lead to disastrous results. Other heating devices, such as HVAC systems and fireplaces, may cause fires and should be inspected periodically.
• Electrical: Old wiring, defective outlets, and overloaded extension cords are a few of the ways electrical problems lead to fires. Never use an appliance with a tattered cord, and make sure combustible substances like paper aren’t layed on top of a lampshade, get it checked out right away.
• Candles: Wherever there's a flame, there's the potential for fire. Residential fires caused by candles are still all too common and often result from careless behavior. Situating them within reach of pets or next to ignitable objects will often produce disastrous results.
• Smoking: Even with the overall decrease in smoking across the country, it’s still an unquestionable fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration announced that 7,800 residential fires were a result of smoking in 2021. Dozing off with a cigarette in hand or discarding smoldering ashes carelessly can give rise to devastating results.

The most effective way to prevent house fires in San Diego is to be attentive at all times. Always keep an eye on things when cooking, never leave a candle unattended, and properly dispose of cigarettes. If you must operate a space heater, do so infrequently and get one that offers an automatic shut-off safety precaution in case it tips over.

Protect your family with a monitored fire alarm in San Diego

You ought to have smoke detectors on all floors and think about installing more by bedrooms. But you can take your home’s safety to a new level with a monitored fire alarm. These modern safety features will not only detect smoke but can also trigger due to rising heat. Additionally, considering they incorporate into your modern smart home, they’ll notify you and your monitoring specialists whenever a disaster strikes. This is a worthwhile perk, especially when you’re not home to hear the alarm and phone the fire department yourself.

Defend against various threats with a Vivint smart home in San Diego

Enhance the protection of your household 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 smartphone and the peace of mind that comes with professional monitoring. Dial (619) 492-4324 to get started.