Top causes of residential fires in Des Moines and how to avoid them

There are a plethora of hazards you need to consider as a homeowner. Fire is at the top of the list, as it can happen in any place and anytime. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated an astounding $8.9 billion in property damage in the United States due to residential fires in 2021. In the same year, there were over 350,000 documented incidents. Luckily, there are things you can do to keep them from taking place|. Take a look at the causes and how to prevent house fires in Des Moines.

What causes residential fires in Des Moines?

Fires can begin anywhere and without warning, whether ignited by a smoldering cigarette in a trash can or an ignored stovetop. Here are the most common causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Kitchen flare-ups are the most widespread types of residential fires in Des Moines and everywhere else. Unattended stovetops are the main cause, so always pay attention to that hot skillet when making a meal. It’s also essential 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. Running them for too long might result in internal components breaking down and catching fire. Worn cords and putting heaters by combustible items like bedding or curtains will also lead to devastating results. Other heating elements, such as furnaces and fireplaces, might cause fires and need to be checked regularly.
• Electrical: Old wiring, malfunctioning outlets, and overburdened extension cords are several of the ways electrical issues cause fires. Don’t operate an appliance with a tattered cord, and ensure flammable substances like paper aren’t placed on a lampshade, get it inspected promptly.
• Candles: When there's a flame, there's a chance of fire. Residential fires due to candles are still commonplace and typically result from careless behavior. Placing them within reach of pets or near ignitable items will lead to disaster.
• Smoking: In spite of 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 caused by smoking in 2021. Falling asleep with a cigarette in hand or throwing out smoldering ashes too soon can bring about devastating results.

The most effective way to prevent house fires in Des Moines is to eliminate negligent behavior. Always pay attention when cooking, don’t leave a candle burning unattended, and properly discard cigarettes. If you must use a space heater, do so in short intervals and get one that offers an automatic shut-off feature in the event it is knocked over.

Get help quickly with a monitored fire alarm in Des Moines

You ought to have smoke detectors on each floor and more near sleeping quarters. But you can take your home’s safety to another level with a monitored fire alarm. These beneficial safety components will not only detect smoke but can also trigger due to rising heat. Furthermore, considering they integrate into your modern smart home, they’ll warn you and your monitoring representatives whenever an emergency takes place. This is a worthwhile feature, particularly when you’re not there to hear the alarm and contact the fire department.

Protect against common dangers with a Vivint smart home in Des Moines

Elevate the protection of your residence today with a Vivint smart home. You can customize our systems with monitored fire alarms, CO detectors, and flood sensors. You’ll be appreciative of the instant updates to your smartphone and the reassurance that you get with professional monitoring. Place a call to (515) 972-5232 to get started.