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

When you own a home, there are numerous risks to think about. Fire is chief among them, as it can arise anywhere and at any time. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated an astounding $8.9 billion in property damage throughout the United States due to residential fires in 2021. In the same year, there were in excess of 350,000 reported occurrences. Fortunately, there are actions you can take to keep them from arising|. Learn more about the causes and how to prevent house fires in Philadelphia.

What causes residential fires in Philadelphia?

Fires can begin anywhere and without warning, whether caused by a discarded cigarette in a waste container or an unattended stovetop. Here are the top causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Kitchen flare-ups are the most common types of residential fires in Philadelphia and all other areas. Unattended stovetops are the main cause, so always pay attention to that scorching skillet when making a meal. It’s also worth nothing that dousing a grease fire with water will only make matters worse.
• Heating: Area heaters are well established as a cause of residential fires. Operating them for too long can cause internal parts to degrade and ignite. Putting heaters next to flammable materials like bed sheets and drapes or using worn cords can also lead to disastrous results. Other types of heating, such as HVAC systems and fireplaces, could cause fires and need to be checked regularly.
• Electrical: Worn out wiring, defective outlets, and overburdened extension cords are a few of the ways electrical issues result in fires. Whenever you discern burning smells, sparking, or flickering lights, get it investigated promptly.
• Candles: When there's a flame, there's a chance of fire. Residential fires caused by candles are still frequently reported and usually result from carelessness. Using candles in close proximity to combustible materials like drapes or leaving them within range of a rambunctious pet will often produce disastrous results.
• Smoking: Even with the overall reduction in smoking across the country, it’s still an undeniable fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated that 7,800 residential fires were a result of smoking in 2021. Nodding off with a cigarette still burning or disposing of smoldering ashes prematurely can give rise to devastating results.

The most effective way to prevent house fires in Philadelphia is to be attentive at all times. Always watch closely when cooking, never leave a candle burning, and dispose of cigarettes properly. If you have to use a space heater, do so infrequently and use one that includes an automatic shut-off switch in case it is knocked over.

Protect your family with a monitored fire alarm in Philadelphia

You should have smoke detectors on all floors and consider using more near bedrooms. But you can take your home’s safety to another level with a monitored fire alarm. These innovative safety devices will not only detect smoke but can also be tripped due to elevated heat levels. In addition, considering they integrate into your modern smart home, they’ll warn you and your monitoring specialists whenever an emergency occurs. This is a nice feature, especially when you’re not home to hear the alarm and contact the fire department yourself.

Defend against common dangers with a Vivint smart home in Philadelphia

Upgrade the protection of your household today with a Vivint smart home. You may personalize our systems with monitored fire alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and water sensors. You’ll appreciate the instant updates to your smartphone and the reassurance that comes with professional monitoring. Contact (267) 493-0789 to talk with a Vivint representative.