Top causes of residential fires in Harrisburg and how to avoid them

There are numerous dangers you must keep in mind as a homeowner. Fire is chief among them, as it can happen anywhere and at any time. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated a stunning $8.9 billion in property damage throughout the United States because of residential fires in 2021. Also during this year, there were in excess of 350,000 documented occurrences. Thankfully, there are actions you can take to prevent them. Take a look at the causes and how to prevent house fires in Harrisburg.

What starts residential fires in Harrisburg?

Fires can start in any spot and without notice, whether caused by a smoldering cigarette in a trash can or an unattended stovetop. Here are the leading causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Kitchen flare-ups are the most frequent sorts of residential fires in Harrisburg and all other areas. Neglected stovetops are the chief culprit, so always pay attention to that smoking skillet when making a meal. It’s also worth nothing that throwing water on a grease fire will only make things worse.
• Heating: Portable heaters are well established as a cause of residential fires. Running them for too long may result in inner components breaking down and sparking. Frayed cords and situating heaters by combustible materials like bed sheets or drapes can also lead to disastrous results. Other types of heating, such as fireplaces and furnaces, could cause fires and ought to be examined frequently.
• Electrical: Outdated wiring, malfunctioning outlets, and overwhelmed extension cords are a few of the ways electrical problems result in fires. Don’t use an appliance with a tattered cord, and make sure ignitable objects like paper aren’t put on top of a lampshade, get it inspected immediately.
• Candles: Whenever there's a flame, there's the possibility of fire. Residential fires from candles are still commonplace and typically result from careless behavior. Putting them within reach of pets or next to combustible items will often result in disaster.
• Smoking: Even with the overall decline in smoking nationwide, it’s still a primary fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated that 7,800 residential fires were caused by smoking in 2021. Nodding off with a cigarette in hand or prematurely throwing out smoldering ashes can cause destructive results.

The primary way to prevent house fires in Harrisburg is to avoid negligent behavior. Always keep an eye on things when cooking, never leave a candle unattended, and get rid of cigarettes properly. If you need to operate a space heater, do so sparingly and use one that offers an automatic shut-off switch in the event it tips over.

Protect your family with a monitored fire alarm in Harrisburg

You need to have smoke detectors on every floor and consider using more next to sleeping areas. But you can take your safety to a new level with a monitored fire alarm. These innovative safety components will not only detect smoke but can also be triggered due to rising heat. In addition, considering they integrate into your modern smart home, they’ll alert you and your monitoring professionals whenever a crisis strikes. This is a worthwhile benefit, particularly when you’re not home to hear the alarm and contact the fire department yourself.

Safeguard your home against various dangers with a Vivint smart home in Harrisburg

Upgrade the safety of your residence today with a Vivint smart home. You can personalize our systems with monitored fire alarms, water sensors, and carbon monoxide detectors. You’ll appreciate the instant updates to your mobile device and the reassurance that you enjoy with professional monitoring. Dial (717) 844-9116 to speak with a skilled Vivint professional.