Leading causes of residential fires in Brooklyn and how to prevent them

When you own a home, there are a wide range of risks to consider. Fire is chief among them, as it can happen anywhere and at any time. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated an astounding $8.9 billion in property damage across the United States due to residential fires in 2021. In the same year, there were in excess of 350,000 documented occurrences. Luckily, there are steps you can take to keep them from happening|. Investigate the causes and how to prevent house fires in Brooklyn.

What sparks residential fires in Brooklyn?

Fires can start in any location and without warning, whether caused by a discarded cigarette in a garbage can or an unattended stovetop. Here are the top causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Flare-ups in the kitchen are the most common kinds of residential fires in Brooklyn and everywhere else. Unattended stovetops are the chief origin, so always watch that scorching skillet when making a meal. It’s also important to note that drenching a grease fire with water will only worsen the situation.
• Heating: Portable heaters are well known for causing residential fires. Running them for long amounts of time may cause inner parts to break down and spark. Putting heaters near combustible objects like bed sheets and drapery or using damaged cords will also lead to disastrous results. Other types of heating, such as fireplaces and furnaces, might cause fires and ought to be checked frequently.
• Electrical: Outdated wiring, malfunctioning outlets, and overburdened extension cords are some ways electrical issues lead to fires. Never run an appliance with a frayed cord, and make certain flammable materials like paper aren’t placed on a lampshade, get it inspected immediately.
• Candles: Whenever there's a flame, there's a chance of fire. Residential fires from candles are still frequently reported and often result from carelessness. Placing them within an area reachable by pets or too close to ignitable objects will often produce disastrous results.
• Smoking: In spite of the overall decrease in smoking across the country, it’s still an unquestionable fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated that 7,800 residential fires were started by smoking in 2021. Dozing off with a cigarette in hand or prematurely throwing out smoldering ashes can cause catastrophic results.

The primary way to prevent house fires in Brooklyn is to be diligent at all times. Always keep an eye on things when cooking, don’t ever leave a candle unattended, and discard cigarettes properly. If you must operate a space heater, do so infrequently and invest in one that has an automatic shut-off switch in case it tips over.

Protect your family with a monitored fire alarm in Brooklyn

You should have smoke detectors on all floors and more by sleeping quarters. But you can take your home’s safety a step further with a monitored fire alarm. These modern safety features will not only discern smoke but can also be triggered due to extreme heat. In addition, since they incorporate into your modern smart home, they’ll notify you and your monitoring professionals whenever an emergency occurs. This is a nice benefit, especially when you’re not there to hear the alarm and phone the fire department yourself.

Protect against known threats with a Vivint smart home in Brooklyn

Elevate the protection of your property today with a Vivint smart home. You may custom design our systems with monitored fire alarms, water sensors, and carbon monoxide detectors. You’ll appreciate the instant notifications to your cell phone and the reassurance that comes with professional monitoring. Dial (929) 552-2194 to speak with a skilled Vivint professional.