Common causes of residential fires in Bloomington and how to avoid them

When you own a home, there are a wide range of hazards to keep in mind. Fire is foremost among them, as it can happen in any place and at any time. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated a stunning $8.9 billion in property damage in the United States due to residential fires in 2021. That same year, there were over 350,000 documented occurrences. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to avoid them. Learn more about the causes and how to prevent house fires in Bloomington.

What causes residential fires in Bloomington?

Fires can start in any location and without notice, whether caused by a discarded 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 kinds of residential fires in Bloomington and elsewhere. Ignored stovetops are the primary culprit, so always keep an eye on that smoking skillet when cooking. It’s also worth nothing that drenching a grease fire with water will only worsen the situation.
• Heating: Space heaters are well known for causing residential fires. Running them for extended amounts of time may result in internal parts breaking down and igniting. Damaged cords and putting heaters by combustible items like bedding or drapes can also lead to disastrous results. Other heating devices, such as HVAC systems and fireplaces, might cause fires and should be examined periodically.
• Electrical: Outdated wiring, defective outlets, and overloaded extension cords are some ways electrical complications lead to fires. Don’t ever operate an appliance with a tattered cord, and make sure combustible materials like paper aren’t put on top of a lampshade, get it checked out promptly.
• Candles: If there's a flame, there's a chance of fire. Residential fires from candles are still frequently reported and typically result from carelessness. Placing them within a pet’s domain or near ignitable objects will often produce disastrous results.
• Smoking: In spite of 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 still burning or disposing of smoldering ashes too soon can bring about catastrophic results.

The primary way to prevent house fires in Bloomington is to steer clear of reckless behavior. Always pay attention when cooking, never leave a candle unattended, and properly get rid of cigarettes. If you must operate a space heater, do so sparingly and invest in one that has an automatic shut-off feature in case it is knocked over.

Protect your family with a monitored fire alarm in Bloomington

You need to have smoke detectors on every floor and think about installing more near sleeping quarters. But you can take your safety to another 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. Furthermore, considering they are part of your modern smart home, they’ll notify you and your monitoring professionals whenever a disaster takes place. This is a worthwhile perk, especially when you’re not home to hear the alarm and contact the fire department.

Protect against known risks with a Vivint smart home in Bloomington

Upgrade the safety of your household today with a Vivint smart home. You can custom design our systems with monitored fire alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and water sensors. You’ll be thankful for the instant notifications to your cell phone and the reassurance that you enjoy with professional monitoring. Contact (309) 332-1140 to get started.