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

There are numerous hazards you have to think about as a homeowner. Fire is at the top of the list, as it can occur in any place and at any moment. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated an astounding $8.9 billion in property damage across the United States as a result of residential fires in 2021. That same year, there were more than 350,000 noted occurrences. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to keep them from taking place|. Investigate the causes and how to prevent house fires in Champaign.

What starts residential fires in Champaign?

Fires can begin in any spot and without warning, whether sparked by a discarded cigarette in a trash can or an unattended stovetop. Here are the most common causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Kitchen flare-ups are the most widespread sorts of residential fires in Champaign and elsewhere. Ignored stovetops are the primary origin, so always keep an eye on that scorching skillet when making dinner. It’s also worth nothing that dousing a grease fire with water will only make matters worse.
• Heating: Portable heaters are well established as a cause of residential fires. Using them for too long can result in inner parts breaking down and igniting. Putting heaters by combustible objects like bed sheets and curtains or using damaged cords may also lead to disastrous results. Other heating devices, such as fireplaces and furnaces, may cause fires and need to be checked regularly.
• Electrical: Worn out wiring, malfunctioning outlets, and overloaded extension cords are a few of the ways electrical complications cause fires. Don’t ever use an appliance with a damaged cord, and make sure combustible materials like paper aren’t put on top of a lampshade, get it checked out immediately.
• Candles: Wherever there's a flame, there's the possibility of fire. Residential fires due to candles are still all too common and typically result from careless behavior. Putting them within reach of pets or next to ignitable materials will lead to disaster.
• Smoking: Even with the overall reduction in smoking across the nation, it’s still a primary fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration announced that 7,800 residential fires were started by smoking in 2021. Nodding off with a cigarette in hand or prematurely discarding smoldering ashes can bring about catastrophic results.

The primary way to prevent house fires in Champaign is to be attentive at all times. Always keep an eye on things when cooking, don’t leave a candle burning, and discard cigarettes properly. If you have to operate a space heater, do so sparingly and use one that has an automatic shut-off safety precaution in the event it overturns.

Safeguard your home with a monitored fire alarm in Champaign

You should have smoke detectors on all floors and more by bedrooms. But you can take your safety a step further with a monitored fire alarm. These modern safety features will not only discern smoke but can also be tripped due to elevated heat levels. Furthermore, since they integrate into your modern smart home, they’ll alert you and your monitoring professionals whenever a crisis strikes. This is a notable feature, particularly when you’re not there to hear the alarm and call the fire department.

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

Upgrade the protection of your property 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 alerts to your cell phone and the 24-hour support that you enjoy with professional monitoring. Place a call to (217) 759-1212 to speak with a skilled Vivint professional.