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

There are a plethora of risks you must think about as a homeowner. Fire is at the top of the list, as it can occur anywhere and at any moment. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated a stunning $8.9 billion in property damage across the United States due to residential fires in 2021. That same year, there were in excess of 350,000 recorded incidents. Fortunately, there are actions you can take to prevent them. Investigate the causes and how to prevent house fires in Oceanside.

What starts residential fires in Oceanside?

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

• Cooking: Flare-ups in the kitchen are the most frequent sorts of residential fires in Oceanside and all other areas. Unattended stovetops are the main source, so always pay attention to that smoking skillet when cooking. It’s also worth nothing that dousing a grease fire with water will only worsen the situation.
• Heating: Area heaters are well known for causing residential fires. Using them for too long can cause inner parts to wear out and ignite. Placing heaters next to combustible materials like bedding and drapery or using worn cords will also lead to devastating results. Other types of heating, such as HVAC systems and fireplaces, might cause fires and need to be inspected regularly.
• Electrical: Old wiring, faulty outlets, and overloaded extension cords are several of the ways electrical complications cause fires. Never operate an appliance with a damaged cord, and make sure combustible objects like paper aren’t placed on a lampshade, get it checked out promptly.
• Candles: When there's a flame, there's the possibility of fire. Residential fires from candles are still all too common and usually result from people being careless. Placing them within reach of pets or next to ignitable items will often produce disastrous results.
• Smoking: Even with the overall decline in smoking across the nation, it’s still an undeniable fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated that 7,800 residential fires were a result of smoking in 2021. Dozing off with a cigarette still burning or prematurely throwing out smoldering ashes can cause devastating results.

The most effective way to prevent house fires in Oceanside is to be careful at all times. Always watch closely when cooking, don’t ever leave a candle burning unattended, and properly get rid of cigarettes. If you must run a space heater, do so sparingly and use one that includes an automatic shut-off safety precaution in the event it is knocked over.

Protect your family with a monitored fire alarm in Oceanside

You ought to have smoke detectors on every floor and more by sleeping quarters. But you can take your home’s safety to a new level with a monitored fire alarm. These beneficial safety devices will not only recognize smoke but can also be triggered due to rising heat. In addition, since they incorporate into your modern smart home, they’ll alert you and your monitoring specialists whenever an emergency occurs. This is a worthwhile perk, specifically when you’re not around to hear the alarm and call the fire department.

Defend against common threats with a Vivint smart home in Oceanside

Enhance the protection of your household today with a Vivint smart home. You may custom design our systems with monitored fire alarms, CO detectors, and flood sensors. You’ll be appreciative of the instant notifications to your smartphone and the peace of mind that comes with professional monitoring. Dial (760) 304-1641 to talk with a Vivint representative.