Leading causes of residential fires in Reno and how to avoid them

There are numerous perils you need to think about as a property owner. Fire is foremost among them, as it can happen in various places and at any time. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated a stunning $8.9 billion in property damage in the United States because of residential fires in 2021. In the same year, there were over 350,000 documented incidents. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to keep them from taking place|. Take a look at the causes and how to prevent house fires in Reno.

What starts residential fires in Reno?

Fires can begin in any spot and without warning, whether ignited by a discarded cigarette in a garbage can or a neglected stovetop. Here are the top causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Incidents in the kitchen are the most frequent sorts of residential fires in Reno and all other areas. Ignored stovetops are the primary cause, so always pay attention to that smoking skillet when making dinner. It’s also important to note that dousing a grease fire with water will only make things worse.
• Heating: Space heaters are well established as a cause of residential fires. Operating them for too long may cause internal parts to break down and spark. Putting heaters near flammable objects like blankets and drapes or using damaged cords can also lead to devastating results. Other heating elements, such as HVAC systems and fireplaces, might cause fires and ought to be checked regularly.
• Electrical: Outdated wiring, faulty outlets, and overburdened extension cords are several of the ways electrical problems cause fires. Don’t operate an appliance with a damaged cord, and ensure combustible substances like paper aren’t put on top of a lampshade, get it investigated promptly.
• Candles: If there's a flame, there's the potential for fire. Residential fires caused by candles are still all too common and typically result from people being careless. Placing candles next to flammable objects like drapes or having them within range of a rambunctious pet 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 approximated that 7,800 residential fires were caused by smoking in 2021. Nodding off with a cigarette still burning or prematurely throwing out smoldering ashes can give rise to destructive results.

The best way to prevent house fires in Reno is to be attentive at all times. Always keep an eye on things when cooking, don’t leave a candle unattended, and properly discard cigarettes. If you need to run a space heater, do so in short intervals and invest in one that has an automatic shut-off safety precaution in case it overturns.

Protect your family with a monitored fire alarm in Reno

You should have smoke detectors on all floors and more near sleeping areas. But you can take your home’s safety to a new level with a monitored fire alarm. These beneficial safety devices will not only detect smoke but can also be tripped due to rising heat. Additionally, because they integrate into your modern smart home, they’ll alert you and your monitoring representatives whenever a crisis occurs. This is a notable perk, specifically when you’re not home to hear the alarm and contact the fire department.

Protect against common risks with a Vivint smart home in Reno

Enhance the safety of your household today with a Vivint smart home. You may custom design our systems with monitored fire alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and water sensors. You’ll be thankful for the instant alerts to your cell phone and the peace of mind that you enjoy with professional monitoring. Contact (775) 259-9515 to speak with a skilled Vivint professional.