Top causes of residential fires in Eau Claire and how to avoid them

When you own a home, there are numerous hazards to consider. Fire is chief among them, as it can happen in any place and at any time. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated an astounding $8.9 billion in property damage in the United States due to residential fires in 2021. Also during this year, there were over 350,000 noted 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 Eau Claire.

What starts residential fires in Eau Claire?

Fires can begin in any location and without notice, whether sparked by a burning cigarette in a trash can or an ignored stovetop. Here are the leading causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Kitchen flare-ups are the most frequent sorts of residential fires in Eau Claire and all other areas. Unattended stovetops are the main origin, so always pay attention to that scorching skillet when making dinner. It’s also essential 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. Running them for long periods may result in inner parts wearing down and sparking. Worn cords and situating heaters near flammable materials like blankets or curtains may also lead to disaster. Other types of heating, such as HVAC systems and fireplaces, could cause fires and need to be checked periodically.
• Electrical: Old wiring, malfunctioning outlets, and overburdened extension cords are several of the ways electrical problems lead to fires. Don’t operate an appliance with a tattered cord, and make sure flammable 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 possibility of fire. Residential fires from candles are still all too common and typically result from people being careless. Putting them within an area reachable by pets or near flammable items will often produce disastrous results.
• Smoking: In spite of the overall decline 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 prematurely discarding smoldering ashes can give rise to devastating results.

The best way to prevent house fires in Eau Claire is to be attentive at all times. Always keep an eye on things when cooking, never leave a candle burning, and get rid of cigarettes properly. If you need to operate a space heater, do so in short intervals and use one that includes an automatic shut-off safety precaution in the event it overturns.

Safeguard your home with a monitored fire alarm in Eau Claire

You need to have smoke detectors on each floor and more by sleeping quarters. But you can take your protection to another level with a monitored fire alarm. These innovative safety features will not only detect smoke but can also be triggered due to extreme heat. Furthermore, since they incorporate into your modern smart home, they’ll alert you and your monitoring representatives whenever a disaster takes place. This is a notable benefit, especially when you’re not around to hear the alarm and contact the fire department.

Defend against common risks with a Vivint smart home in Eau Claire

Upgrade the protection of your residence today with a Vivint smart home. You may customize our systems with monitored fire alarms, water sensors, and carbon monoxide detectors. You’ll be thankful for the instant updates to your cell phone and the peace of mind that you get with professional monitoring. Contact (715) 419-6703 to talk with a Vivint representative.