Leading causes of residential fires in Long Beach and how to avoid them

There are a plethora of dangers you need to keep in mind as a property owner. Fire is foremost 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 throughout the United States as a result of residential fires in 2021. That same year, there were in excess of 350,000 noted incidents. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to avoid them. Learn more about the causes and how to prevent house fires in Long Beach.

What starts residential fires in Long Beach?

Fires can start in any location and without warning, whether ignited by a burning cigarette in a trash can or an unattended stovetop. Here are the leading causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Flare-ups in the kitchen are the most frequent types of residential fires in Long Beach and all other areas. Unattended stovetops are the chief culprit, so always pay attention to that hot skillet when making dinner. It’s also worth nothing that throwing water on a grease fire will only worsen the situation.
• Heating: Area heaters are a well-known cause of residential fires. Using them for too long may result in internal components breaking down and catching fire. Putting heaters near combustible textiles like bed sheets and curtains or using frayed cords can also lead to disaster. Other heating elements, such as fireplaces and furnaces, might cause fires and ought to be examined regularly.
• Electrical: Outdated wiring, malfunctioning outlets, and overwhelmed extension cords are a few of the ways electrical complications lead to fires. If you discern burning smells, sparking, or flickering lights, get it investigated right away.
• Candles: Whenever there's a flame, there's the potential for fire. Residential fires from candles are still frequently reported and often result from people being careless. Burning candles too close to ignitable materials like drapery or keeping them within the reach of a curious pet will often result in disaster.
• Smoking: Even with the overall decline in smoking across the country, it’s still an unquestionable fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated that 7,800 residential fires were a result of smoking in 2021. Falling asleep while holding a cigarette or discarding smoldering ashes prematurely can cause destructive results.

The primary way to prevent house fires in Long Beach is to steer clear of careless behavior. Always keep an eye on things when cooking, never leave a candle unattended, and dispose of cigarettes properly. If you need to use a space heater, do so in short intervals and use one that offers an automatic shut-off feature in the event it overturns.

Safeguard your home with a monitored fire alarm in Long Beach

You should have smoke detectors on every floor and consider using more by sleeping areas. But you can take your home’s safety a step further with a monitored fire alarm. These modern safety devices will not only recognize smoke but can also be tripped due to rising heat. Additionally, since they integrate into your modern smart home, they’ll warn you and your monitoring representatives whenever a crisis occurs. This is a notable benefit, particularly when you’re not around to hear the alarm and contact the fire department.

Defend against common dangers with a Vivint smart home in Long Beach

Elevate the protection of your property today with a Vivint smart home. You may personalize our systems with monitored fire alarms, CO detectors, and flood sensors. You’ll be appreciative of the instant updates to your mobile device and the reassurance that comes with professional monitoring. Dial (562) 376-5457 to speak with a skilled Vivint professional.