Top causes of residential fires in Morgantown and how to prevent them

There are numerous hazards you must think about as a property owner. Fire is foremost among them, as it can occur anywhere and at any moment. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated a stunning $8.9 billion in property damage in the United States because of residential fires in 2021. That same year, there were in excess of 350,000 reported incidents. Luckily, there are steps you can take to prevent them. Investigate the causes and how to prevent house fires in Morgantown.

What sparks residential fires in Morgantown?

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

• Cooking: Kitchen flare-ups are the most common kinds of residential fires in Morgantown and elsewhere. Ignored stovetops are the chief cause, so always keep an eye on that smoking skillet when making dinner. It’s also important to note that soaking a grease fire with water will only make things worse.
• Heating: Portable heaters are well established as a cause of residential fires. Using them for too long may cause inner components to break down and ignite. Worn cords and placing heaters next to flammable objects like bed sheets or drapes can also lead to devastating results. Other types of heating, such as fireplaces and furnaces, might cause fires and should be examined periodically.
• Electrical: Worn out wiring, faulty outlets, and overburdened extension cords are several of the ways electrical issues result in fires. Never run an appliance with a damaged cord, and make sure ignitable objects 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 often result from careless behavior. Placing them within a pet’s domain or near combustible items will often result in disaster.
• Smoking: Despite the overall reduction in smoking nationwide, it’s still an undeniable fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated that 7,800 residential fires were a result of smoking in 2021. Dozing off with a cigarette still burning or discarding smoldering ashes prematurely can bring about catastrophic results.

The best way to prevent house fires in Morgantown is to be attentive at all times. Always keep an eye on things when cooking, don’t ever leave a candle burning, and dispose of cigarettes properly. If you have to operate a space heater, do so sparingly and invest in one that offers an automatic shut-off switch in the event it is knocked over.

Safeguard your home with a monitored fire alarm in Morgantown

You need to have smoke detectors on each floor and more by sleeping areas. But you can take your safety to another level with a monitored fire alarm. These beneficial safety devices will not only discern smoke but can also trigger due to elevated heat levels. In addition, since they are part of your modern smart home, they’ll notify you and your monitoring representatives whenever a disaster occurs. This is a notable benefit, especially when you’re not around to hear the alarm and call the fire department.

Protect against known risks with a Vivint smart home in Morgantown

Elevate the protection of your residence today with a Vivint smart home. You can customize our systems with monitored fire alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and water sensors. You’ll be thankful for the instant notifications to your cell phone and the reassurance that you enjoy with professional monitoring. Place a call to (304) 903-6090 to talk with a Vivint representative.