Common causes of residential fires in Portland and how to prevent them

There are numerous perils you need to keep in mind as a homeowner. Fire is foremost among them, as it can happen in any place and at any time. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated a stunning $8.9 billion in property damage across the United States due to residential fires in 2021. Also during this year, there were more than 350,000 documented occurrences. Thankfully, there are things you can do to keep them from arising|. Investigate the causes and how to prevent house fires in Portland.

What sparks residential fires in Portland?

Fires can start in any location and without notice, whether sparked by a burning cigarette in a garbage can or a neglected stovetop. Here are the leading causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Incidents in the kitchen are the most common kinds of residential fires in Portland and elsewhere. Ignored stovetops are the main cause, so always pay attention to that scorching skillet when making dinner. It’s also essential to note that throwing water on a grease fire will only make things worse.
• Heating: Space heaters are a well-known cause of residential fires. Running them for long periods can result in inner elements breaking down and igniting. Situating heaters by combustible fabrics like bed sheets and curtains or using frayed cords will also lead to disaster. Other heating devices, such as furnaces and fireplaces, might cause fires and should be inspected periodically.
• Electrical: Old wiring, defective outlets, and overwhelmed extension cords are a few of the ways electrical complications lead to fires. Whenever you discern burning smells, sparking, or flickering lights, get it investigated promptly.
• Candles: When there's a flame, there's a chance of fire. Residential fires caused by candles are still all too common and typically result from carelessness. Putting them within an area reachable by pets or next to combustible materials will often result in 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. Dozing off while holding a cigarette or prematurely discarding smoldering ashes can bring about catastrophic results.

The primary way to prevent house fires in Portland is to avoid reckless behavior. Always pay attention when cooking, never leave a candle burning unattended, and properly get rid of cigarettes. If you need to use a space heater, do so sparingly and get one that offers an automatic shut-off safety precaution in the event it overturns.

Protect your family with a monitored fire alarm in Portland

You ought to have smoke detectors on each floor and think about installing more near sleeping quarters. But you can take your home’s safety to another level with a monitored fire alarm. These innovative safety features will not only detect smoke but can also trigger due to rising heat. Additionally, considering they integrate into your modern smart home, they’ll warn you and your monitoring representatives whenever a disaster strikes. This is a nice perk, particularly when you’re not there to hear the alarm and call the fire department yourself.

Defend against known threats with a Vivint smart home in Portland

Enhance the protection of your residence today with a Vivint smart home. You may customize our systems with monitored fire alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and water sensors. You’ll be thankful for the instant notifications to your cell phone and the reassurance that comes with professional monitoring. Dial (503) 213-9485 to speak with a skilled Vivint professional.