Leading causes of residential fires in Medford and how to prevent them

When you own a home, there are a wide range of threats to think about. Fire is at the top of the list, as it can occur in various places and at any time. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated an incredible $8.9 billion in property damage throughout the United States as a result of residential fires in 2021. Also during this year, there were over 350,000 reported fires. Fortunately, there are actions you can take to keep them from arising|. Investigate the causes and how to prevent house fires in Medford.

What starts residential fires in Medford?

Fires can sprout up in any spot and without notice, whether sparked by a smoldering cigarette in a garbage can or a neglected stovetop. Here are the top causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Flare-ups in the kitchen are the most frequent kinds of residential fires in Medford and all other areas. Ignored stovetops are the main origin, so always keep an eye on that scorching skillet when cooking. It’s also essential to note that throwing water on a grease fire will only worsen the situation.
• Heating: Area heaters are well known for causing residential fires. Running them for extended amounts of time may result in inner parts wearing down and catching fire. Placing heaters near combustible materials like bedding and curtains or using damaged cords will also lead to devastating results. Other types of heating, such as HVAC systems and fireplaces, might cause fires and should be checked periodically.
• Electrical: Worn out wiring, defective outlets, and overloaded extension cords are some ways electrical problems lead to fires. Never operate an appliance with a tattered cord, and ensure ignitable objects like paper aren’t placed on a lampshade, get it checked out immediately.
• Candles: Whenever there's a flame, there's the potential for fire. Residential fires caused by candles are still all too common and often result from careless behavior. Situating them within an area reachable by pets or near flammable items will often result in disaster.
• Smoking: Even with the overall decline in smoking nationwide, it’s still an unquestionable fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated that 7,800 residential fires were caused by smoking in 2021. Dozing off with a cigarette in hand or disposing of smoldering ashes prematurely can cause devastating results.

The best way to prevent house fires in Medford is to be diligent at all times. Always watch closely when cooking, don’t leave a candle burning, and properly get rid of cigarettes. If you need to run a space heater, do so infrequently and invest in one that includes an automatic shut-off feature in the event it tips over.

Safeguard your home with a monitored fire alarm in Medford

You need to have smoke detectors on each floor and consider using more by sleeping quarters. But you can take your home’s safety to another level with a monitored fire alarm. These innovative safety features will not only discern smoke but can also be triggered due to elevated heat levels. Additionally, since they incorporate into your modern smart home, they’ll warn you and your monitoring representatives whenever a disaster strikes. This is a nice feature, particularly when you’re not around to hear the alarm and contact the fire department.

Protect against known dangers with a Vivint smart home in Medford

Elevate the safety of your household today with a Vivint smart home. You may customize our systems with monitored fire alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and water sensors. You’ll be thankful for the instant alerts to your smartphone and the 24-hour support that comes with professional monitoring. Contact (541) 697-3284 to speak with a skilled Vivint professional.