Top causes of residential fires in San Bernardino and how to prevent them

When you own a home, there are many threats to keep in mind. Fire is foremost among them, as it can arise in any place and anytime. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated an astounding $8.9 billion in property damage across the United States because of residential fires in 2021. That same year, there were over 350,000 reported fires. Fortunately, there are actions you can take to avoid them. Learn more about the causes and how to prevent house fires in San Bernardino.

What starts residential fires in San Bernardino?

Fires can sprout up in any spot and without warning, whether sparked by a smoldering cigarette in a trash can or a neglected stovetop. Here are the top causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Incidents in the kitchen are the most common kinds of residential fires in San Bernardino and everywhere else. Ignored stovetops are the primary source, so always watch that scorching skillet when cooking. It’s also important to note that drenching a grease fire with water will only make things worse.
• Heating: Portable heaters are well established as a cause of residential fires. Operating them for too long can cause internal components to wear out and spark. Situating heaters near flammable textiles like blankets and drapery or using frayed cords may also lead to disaster. Other types of heating, such as HVAC systems and fireplaces, may cause fires and need to be checked frequently.
• Electrical: Worn out wiring, defective outlets, and overwhelmed extension cords are some ways electrical complications lead to fires. Never operate an appliance with a frayed cord, and make certain flammable substances like paper aren’t placed on a lampshade, get it inspected promptly.
• Candles: When there's a flame, there's the possibility of fire. Residential fires from candles are still commonplace and typically result from people being careless. Placing them within an area reachable by pets or next to ignitable materials will often produce disastrous results.
• Smoking: Even with the overall decrease in smoking nationwide, it’s still an unquestionable fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated that 7,800 residential fires were caused by smoking in 2021. Falling asleep with a cigarette in hand or prematurely discarding smoldering ashes can cause devastating results.

The best way to prevent house fires in San Bernardino is to be careful at all times. Always watch closely when cooking, never leave a candle burning, and discard cigarettes properly. If you must run a space heater, do so sparingly and get one that offers an automatic shut-off safety precaution in the event it is knocked over.

Safeguard your home with a monitored fire alarm in San Bernardino

You need to have smoke detectors on each floor and consider using more next to sleeping quarters. But you can take your safety to a new level with a monitored fire alarm. These modern safety components will not only discern smoke but can also be triggered due to elevated heat levels. Additionally, because they integrate into your modern smart home, they’ll notify you and your monitoring representatives whenever a disaster takes place. This is a notable feature, specifically when you’re not there to hear the alarm and call the fire department yourself.

Safeguard your home against common dangers with a Vivint smart home in San Bernardino

Upgrade the safety of your household today with a Vivint smart home. You may customize our systems with monitored fire alarms, CO detectors, and flood sensors. You’ll be thankful for the instant updates to your cell phone and the 24-hour support that you enjoy with professional monitoring. Place a call to (909) 324-3685 to speak with a skilled Vivint professional.