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

There are many perils you must think about as a homeowner. Fire is at the top of the list, as it can arise anywhere and at any time. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated a stunning $8.9 billion in property damage across the United States because of residential fires in 2021. Also during this year, there were more than 350,000 reported occurrences. Thankfully, there are actions you can take to stay clear of them. Investigate the causes and how to prevent house fires in Muncie.

What sparks residential fires in Muncie?

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

• Cooking: Incidents in the kitchen are the most widespread kinds of residential fires in Muncie and everywhere else. Neglected stovetops are the primary culprit, so always pay attention to that hot skillet when making dinner. It’s also important to note that putting water on a grease fire will only make matters worse.
• Heating: Space heaters are well established as a cause of residential fires. Operating them for too long can result in internal elements breaking down and sparking. Putting heaters near combustible fabrics like bed sheets and drapes or using frayed cords may also lead to devastating results. Other types of heating, such as furnaces and fireplaces, could cause fires and need to be checked periodically.
• Electrical: Worn out wiring, faulty outlets, and overwhelmed extension cords are several of the ways electrical complications lead to fires. Don’t ever run an appliance with a tattered cord, and make sure flammable objects 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 due to candles are still commonplace and often result from careless behavior. Situating them within an area reachable by pets or next to combustible materials will often result in disaster.
• Smoking: Even with the overall reduction in smoking across the nation, it’s still a primary fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration announced that 7,800 residential fires were caused by smoking in 2021. Dozing off with a cigarette in hand or prematurely disposing of smoldering ashes can cause destructive results.

The most effective way to prevent house fires in Muncie is to be diligent at all times. Always keep an eye on things when cooking, don’t leave a candle unattended, and discard cigarettes properly. If you need to operate a space heater, do so in short intervals and get one that offers an automatic shut-off safety precaution in the event it overturns.

Get help quickly with a monitored fire alarm in Muncie

You ought to have smoke detectors on all floors and think about installing more next to bedrooms. But you can take your protection to a new level with a monitored fire alarm. These modern safety components will not only discern smoke but can also be tripped due to rising heat. Additionally, since they integrate into your modern smart home, they’ll alert you and your monitoring professionals whenever a disaster takes place. This is a worthwhile perk, specifically when you’re not there to hear the alarm and contact the fire department yourself.

Defend against common threats with a Vivint smart home in Muncie

Enhance the protection of your household today with a Vivint smart home. You can personalize our systems with monitored fire alarms, water sensors, and carbon monoxide detectors. You’ll be thankful for the instant updates to your smartphone and the 24-hour support that you get with professional monitoring. Place a call to (765) 562-9379 to speak with a skilled Vivint professional.