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

There are a plethora of perils you must keep in mind as a homeowner. Fire is chief among them, as it can happen anywhere and anytime. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated an incredible $8.9 billion in property damage in the United States as a result of residential fires in 2021. In the same year, there were in excess of 350,000 noted fires. Luckily, there are actions you can take to avoid them. Take a look at the causes and how to prevent house fires in Ogden.

What starts residential fires in Ogden?

Fires can sprout up anywhere and without notice, whether caused by a discarded 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 types of residential fires in Ogden and elsewhere. Ignored stovetops are the chief cause, so always keep an eye on that smoking skillet when cooking. It’s also essential to note that throwing water on a grease fire will only make matters worse.
• Heating: Area heaters are a well-known cause of residential fires. Operating them for long time periods might cause inner components to break down and catch fire. Frayed cords and situating heaters near combustible objects like blankets or window coverings can also lead to devastating results. Other types of heating, such as furnaces and fireplaces, might cause fires and need to be inspected frequently.
• Electrical: Worn out wiring, faulty outlets, and overburdened extension cords are a few of the ways electrical issues result in fires. Whenever you notice burning smells, sparking, or flickering lights, get it investigated promptly.
• Candles: Whenever there's a flame, there's the possibility of fire. Residential fires from candles are still commonplace and typically result from people being careless. Placing candles next to ignitable items like drapes or keeping them within the reach of an inquisitive pet will often result in disaster.
• Smoking: Despite the overall decline in smoking across the country, it’s still an unquestionable fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated that 7,800 residential fires were caused by smoking in 2021. Falling asleep while holding a cigarette or prematurely disposing of smoldering ashes can cause catastrophic results.

The primary way to prevent house fires in Ogden is to eliminate reckless behavior. Always watch closely when cooking, don’t ever leave a candle unattended, and discard cigarettes properly. If you must operate a space heater, do so infrequently and invest in one that has an automatic shut-off safety precaution in the event it overturns.

Protect your family with a monitored fire alarm in Ogden

You ought to have smoke detectors on all floors and think about installing more near sleeping quarters. But you can take your protection to another level with a monitored fire alarm. These beneficial safety devices will not only recognize smoke but can also trigger due to rising heat. In addition, considering they integrate into your modern smart home, they’ll alert you and your monitoring specialists whenever an emergency strikes. This is a notable feature, particularly when you’re not there to hear the alarm and phone the fire department.

Defend against known risks with a Vivint smart home in Ogden

Enhance the safety of your residence 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 updates to your mobile device and the 24-hour support that you enjoy with professional monitoring. Contact (385) 900-2979 to get started.