Top causes of residential fires in Toledo and how to prevent them

There are many hazards you have to consider as a homeowner. Fire is at the top of the list, as it can occur in various places and at any moment. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated an incredible $8.9 billion in property damage throughout the United States as a result of residential fires in 2021. In the same year, there were in excess of 350,000 documented incidents. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to stay clear of them. Learn more about the causes and how to prevent house fires in Toledo.

What causes residential fires in Toledo?

Fires can sprout up in any location and without notice, whether ignited by a discarded cigarette in a trash can or an ignored stovetop. Here are the top causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Flare-ups in the kitchen are the most widespread sorts of residential fires in Toledo and all other areas. Unattended stovetops are the main cause, so always keep an eye on that hot skillet when making dinner. It’s also worth nothing that dumping water on a grease fire will only worsen the situation.
• Heating: Portable heaters are well known for causing residential fires. Running them for lengthy time periods can cause internal pieces to wear out and catch fire. Worn cords and situating heaters next to combustible materials like bed sheets or window coverings can also lead to devastating results. Other types of heating, such as furnaces and fireplaces, might cause fires and ought to be inspected frequently.
• Electrical: Old wiring, faulty outlets, and overwhelmed extension cords are a few of the ways electrical issues cause fires. Don’t run an appliance with a frayed cord, and make certain combustible substances like paper aren’t layed on top of a lampshade, get it investigated promptly.
• Candles: If there's a flame, there's the potential for fire. Residential fires due to candles are still all too common and often result from careless behavior. Situating them within reach of pets or too close to combustible items will often produce disastrous results.
• Smoking: Even with the overall decline in smoking across the nation, it’s still a primary fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated that 7,800 residential fires were started by smoking in 2021. Dozing off while holding a cigarette or throwing out smoldering ashes carelessly can give rise to destructive results.

The primary way to prevent house fires in Toledo is to steer clear of reckless behavior. Always watch closely when cooking, don’t ever leave a candle burning unattended, and properly dispose of cigarettes. If you must use a space heater, do so in short intervals and get one that has an automatic shut-off feature in case it tips over.

Protect your family with a monitored fire alarm in Toledo

You ought to have smoke detectors on every floor and consider using more near sleeping areas. But you can take your home’s safety to another level with a monitored fire alarm. These innovative safety devices will not only discern smoke but can also trigger due to extreme heat. In addition, considering they are part of your modern smart home, they’ll notify you and your monitoring representatives whenever a disaster strikes. This is a nice perk, particularly when you’re not home to hear the alarm and contact the fire department yourself.

Defend against common risks with a Vivint smart home in Toledo

Elevate the safety of your household today with a Vivint smart home. You may personalize our systems with monitored fire alarms, CO detectors, and flood sensors. You’ll be appreciative of the instant updates to your mobile device and the reassurance that you enjoy with professional monitoring. Contact (419) 614-6278 to get started.