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

When you own a home, there are many hazards to think about. Fire is chief among them, as it can occur in various places and anytime. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated a stunning $8.9 billion in property damage throughout the United States because of residential fires in 2021. In the same year, there were more than 350,000 reported incidents. Thankfully, there are actions you can take to prevent them. Learn more about the causes and how to prevent house fires in Albany.

What sparks residential fires in Albany?

Fires can sprout up in any location and without warning, whether caused by a burning cigarette in a garbage can or a neglected stovetop. Here are the top causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Kitchen flare-ups are the most widespread sorts of residential fires in Albany and elsewhere. Neglected stovetops are the primary origin, so always pay attention to that smoking skillet when cooking. It’s also essential to note that dumping water on a grease fire will only make matters worse.
• Heating: Space heaters are a well-known cause of residential fires. Operating them for long amounts of time can result in inner components degrading and igniting. Worn cords and situating heaters next to flammable items like bedding or drapes will also lead to disastrous results. Other heating elements, such as furnaces and fireplaces, might cause fires and ought to be checked regularly.
• Electrical: Worn out wiring, malfunctioning outlets, and overwhelmed extension cords are some ways electrical issues cause fires. Don’t ever use an appliance with a tattered cord, and ensure ignitable materials like paper aren’t placed on a lampshade, get it investigated immediately.
• Candles: Wherever there's a flame, there's the potential for fire. Residential fires due to candles are still frequently reported and typically result from people being careless. Using candles next to ignitable objects like drapes or leaving them within the domain of a rambunctious pet 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 caused by smoking in 2021. Nodding off with a cigarette in hand or prematurely disposing of smoldering ashes can bring about catastrophic results.

The most effective way to prevent house fires in Albany is to be careful at all times. Always keep an eye on things when cooking, don’t ever leave a candle burning unattended, and get rid of cigarettes properly. If you have to use a space heater, do so sparingly and use one that has an automatic shut-off safety precaution in case it is knocked over.

Safeguard your home with a monitored fire alarm in Albany

You should have smoke detectors on all floors and think about installing more next to sleeping areas. But you can take your protection a step further with a monitored fire alarm. These beneficial safety devices will not only recognize smoke but can also be triggered due to elevated heat levels. Additionally, considering they incorporate into your modern smart home, they’ll warn you and your monitoring representatives whenever a crisis strikes. This is a nice feature, especially when you’re not around to hear the alarm and contact the fire department.

Protect against known threats with a Vivint smart home in Albany

Upgrade the safety of your residence today with a Vivint smart home. You can custom design our systems with monitored fire alarms, CO detectors, and flood sensors. You’ll appreciate the instant alerts to your cell phone and the peace of mind that you get with professional monitoring. Place a call to (518) 900-7096 to speak with a skilled Vivint professional.