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

September 25, 2023
Man surprised by smoke pouring out of oven

There are a plethora of perils you must keep in mind as a property owner. Fire is at the top of the list, as it can occur in any place and at any moment. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated an incredible $8.9 billion in property damage in the United States due to residential fires in 2021. In the same year, there were in excess of 350,000 recorded occurrences. Fortunately, there are things you can do to avoid them. Take a look at the causes and how to prevent house fires in Akron.

What starts residential fires in Akron?

Fires can begin in any spot and without notice, whether ignited 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 sorts of residential fires in Akron and all other areas. Unattended stovetops are the chief cause, so always keep an eye on that hot skillet when making a meal. It’s also important to note that throwing water on a grease fire will only worsen the situation.
  • Heating: Space heaters are a well-known cause of residential fires. Using them for long amounts of time can result in inner parts wearing down and igniting. Putting heaters near combustible fabrics like blankets and drapery or using damaged cords may also lead to disastrous results. Other types of heating, such as furnaces and fireplaces, might cause fires and ought to be checked regularly.
  • Electrical: Outdated wiring, faulty outlets, and overwhelmed extension cords are several of the ways electrical complications cause fires. Don’t ever run an appliance with a frayed cord, and make sure ignitable materials like paper aren’t placed on a lampshade, get it inspected immediately.
  • Candles: If there's a flame, there's a chance of fire. Residential fires from candles are still all too common and typically result from carelessness. Putting them within reach of pets or next to ignitable materials will lead to disaster.
  • Smoking: Despite the overall decline in smoking across the nation, it’s still an undeniable fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration announced that 7,800 residential fires were a result of smoking in 2021. Dozing off with a cigarette in hand or prematurely throwing out smoldering ashes can give rise to destructive results.

The best way to prevent house fires in Akron is to be careful at all times. Always keep an eye on things when cooking, don’t ever leave a candle burning, and discard cigarettes properly. If you need to operate a space heater, do so in short intervals and get one that offers an automatic shut-off safety precaution in case it overturns.

Get help quickly with a monitored fire alarm in Akron

You need to have smoke detectors on each floor and more by sleeping areas. 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 tripped due to extreme heat. Furthermore, because they integrate into your modern smart home, they’ll alert you and your monitoring specialists whenever a crisis takes place. This is a notable perk, specifically when you’re not around to hear the alarm and phone the fire department yourself.

Safeguard your home against common risks with a Vivint smart home in Akron

Elevate the protection of your residence today with a Vivint smart home. You may personalize our systems with monitored fire alarms, water sensors, and carbon monoxide detectors. You’ll be thankful for the instant notifications to your cell phone and the reassurance that you enjoy with professional monitoring. Dial (330) 632-1171 to speak with a skilled Vivint professional.