Top causes of residential fires in Orange County and how to prevent them

When you own a home, there are many risks to think about. Fire is at the top of the list, as it can happen in any place and anytime. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated an astounding $8.9 billion in property damage in the United States due to residential fires in 2021. Also during this year, there were over 350,000 noted fires. Thankfully, there are actions you can take to keep them from happening|. Investigate the causes and how to prevent house fires in Orange County.

What sparks residential fires in Orange County?

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

• Cooking: Kitchen flare-ups are the most widespread kinds of residential fires in Orange County and elsewhere. Ignored stovetops are the chief culprit, so always watch that scorching skillet when cooking. It’s also important to note that dousing a grease fire with water will only make things worse.
• Heating: Space heaters are a well-known cause of residential fires. Operating them for too long may cause inner components to break down and ignite. Putting heaters near combustible textiles like blankets and drapery or using frayed cords may also lead to disastrous results. Other types of heating, such as fireplaces and furnaces, may cause fires and ought to be examined regularly.
• Electrical: Outdated wiring, faulty outlets, and overburdened extension cords are several of the ways electrical issues result in fires. If you discern burning smells, sparking, or flickering lights, get it investigated promptly.
• Candles: Wherever there's a flame, there's the possibility of fire. Residential fires caused by candles are still commonplace and typically result from people being careless. Situating them within a pet’s domain or next to flammable items will often produce disastrous results.
• Smoking: Even with the overall decline in smoking across the country, it’s still an unquestionable fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration announced that 7,800 residential fires were a result of smoking in 2021. Dozing off while holding a cigarette or throwing out smoldering ashes prematurely can bring about devastating results.

The primary way to prevent house fires in Orange County is to eliminate reckless behavior. Always keep an eye on things when cooking, don’t leave a candle burning, and properly dispose of cigarettes. If you have to use a space heater, do so sparingly and invest in one that has an automatic shut-off switch in the event it tips over.

Protect your family with a monitored fire alarm in Orange County

You need to have smoke detectors on all floors and think about installing more next to sleeping quarters. But you can take your protection a step further with a monitored fire alarm. These beneficial safety devices will not only detect smoke but can also be triggered due to rising heat. Furthermore, considering they integrate into your modern smart home, they’ll notify you and your monitoring specialists whenever an emergency takes place. This is a worthwhile feature, especially when you’re not there to hear the alarm and phone the fire department.

Protect against various risks with a Vivint smart home in Orange County

Enhance the protection of your property today with a Vivint smart home. You can custom design our systems with monitored fire alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and water sensors. You’ll be appreciative of the instant updates to your cell phone and the reassurance that you get with professional monitoring. Dial (714) 769-8364 to get started.