Common causes of residential fires in Baltimore and how to prevent them

When you own a home, there are numerous threats to consider. Fire is chief among them, as it can arise anywhere and anytime. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated an astounding $8.9 billion in property damage across the United States as a result of residential fires in 2021. That same year, there were in excess of 350,000 documented occurrences. Luckily, there are steps you can take to stay clear of them. Learn more about the causes and how to prevent house fires in Baltimore.

What starts residential fires in Baltimore?

Fires can begin in any spot and without notice, whether ignited by a burning cigarette in a garbage can or an unattended stovetop. Here are the leading causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Incidents in the kitchen are the most frequent sorts of residential fires in Baltimore and elsewhere. Neglected stovetops are the main source, so always watch that scorching skillet when making a meal. It’s also worth nothing that putting water on a grease fire will only worsen the situation.
• Heating: Area heaters are well known for causing residential fires. Running them for lengthy amounts of time might cause internal parts to wear out and ignite. Placing heaters by flammable materials like bed sheets and curtains or using frayed cords can also lead to devastating results. Other types of heating, such as furnaces and fireplaces, may cause fires and ought to be checked frequently.
• Electrical: Outdated wiring, defective outlets, and overwhelmed extension cords are several of the ways electrical issues cause fires. Whenever you notice sparking, flickering lights, or strange odors, get it investigated promptly.
• Candles: Wherever there's a flame, there's the potential for fire. Residential fires caused by candles are still frequently reported and typically result from carelessness. Placing candles next to flammable objects like drapes or keeping them within range of an inquisitive pet will often result in disaster.
• Smoking: Despite the overall decrease in smoking across the nation, it’s still an undeniable fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated that 7,800 residential fires were started by smoking in 2021. Falling asleep with a cigarette in hand or throwing out smoldering ashes too soon can give rise to devastating results.

The primary way to prevent house fires in Baltimore is to eliminate negligent behavior. Always pay attention when cooking, don’t ever leave a candle burning, and get rid of cigarettes properly. If you need to operate a space heater, do so in short intervals and invest in one that offers an automatic shut-off switch in case it tips over.

Get help quickly with a monitored fire alarm in Baltimore

You need to have smoke detectors on all floors and consider using more near sleeping areas. But you can take your protection to another level with a monitored fire alarm. These beneficial safety features will not only detect smoke but can also trigger due to extreme heat. Furthermore, because they integrate into your modern smart home, they’ll alert you and your monitoring representatives whenever a crisis takes place. This is a nice benefit, particularly when you’re not there to hear the alarm and phone the fire department.

Safeguard your home against known threats with a Vivint smart home in Baltimore

Upgrade the protection of your property today with a Vivint smart home. You may personalize our systems with monitored fire alarms, water sensors, and carbon monoxide detectors. You’ll be appreciative of the instant notifications to your smartphone and the peace of mind that you get with professional monitoring. Contact (410) 231-7697 to speak with a skilled Vivint professional.