Leading causes of residential fires in Kansas City and how to prevent them

When you own a home, there are numerous risks to think about. Fire is at the top of the list, as it can occur in any place 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. Luckily, there are actions you can take to keep them from arising|. Take a look at the causes and how to prevent house fires in Kansas City.

What starts residential fires in Kansas City?

Fires can start in any location and without warning, whether ignited by a smoldering cigarette in a garbage can or an unattended stovetop. Here are the most common causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Flare-ups in the kitchen are the most widespread types of residential fires in Kansas City and all other areas. Unattended stovetops are the primary cause, so always watch that smoking skillet when making dinner. It’s also essential to note that soaking a grease fire with water will only make things worse.
• Heating: Space heaters are well known for causing residential fires. Operating them for lengthy periods may cause internal components to wear out and catch fire. Damaged cords and placing heaters near flammable items like bed sheets or window coverings can also lead to disastrous results. Other heating devices, such as furnaces and fireplaces, might cause fires and should be checked regularly.
• Electrical: Worn out wiring, defective outlets, and overloaded extension cords are some ways electrical issues lead to fires. Never run an appliance with a frayed cord, and make certain ignitable materials like paper aren’t placed on a lampshade, get it inspected promptly.
• Candles: Whenever there's a flame, there's the possibility of fire. Residential fires caused by candles are still commonplace and often result from carelessness. Placing candles next to flammable materials like drapes or having them within the reach of a rambunctious pet will lead to disaster.
• Smoking: Even with the overall reduction in smoking across the country, it’s still an undeniable 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 too soon can bring about catastrophic results.

The best way to prevent house fires in Kansas City is to avoid negligent behavior. Always pay attention when cooking, don’t ever leave a candle burning, and get rid of cigarettes properly. If you have to operate a space heater, do so infrequently and get one that has an automatic shut-off switch in case it overturns.

Get help quickly with a monitored fire alarm in Kansas City

You should have smoke detectors on every floor and consider using more next to sleeping areas. But you can take your home’s safety to a new level with a monitored fire alarm. These modern safety components will not only recognize smoke but can also be triggered due to extreme heat. Additionally, because they integrate into your modern smart home, they’ll warn you and your monitoring professionals whenever an emergency takes place. This is a nice benefit, particularly when you’re not there to hear the alarm and contact the fire department.

Defend against various threats with a Vivint smart home in Kansas City

Enhance the safety of your household today with a Vivint smart home. You can personalize our systems with monitored fire alarms, CO detectors, and flood sensors. You’ll appreciate the instant updates to your cell phone and the peace of mind that comes with professional monitoring. Dial (816) 357-9576 to get started.