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

There are a plethora of dangers you need to think about as a homeowner. Fire is at the top of the list, as it can arise in any place and at any time. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated an astounding $8.9 billion in property damage across the United States due to residential fires in 2021. That same year, there were over 350,000 documented occurrences. Thankfully, there are actions you can take to keep them from arising|. Take a look at the causes and how to prevent house fires in Topeka.

What starts residential fires in Topeka?

Fires can start anywhere and without notice, whether ignited by a burning cigarette in a waste container or a neglected stovetop. Here are the top causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Kitchen flare-ups are the most frequent kinds of residential fires in Topeka and everywhere else. Ignored stovetops are the primary culprit, so always keep an eye on that smoking skillet when cooking. It’s also important to note that soaking a grease fire with water will only make matters worse.
• Heating: Space heaters are a well-known cause of residential fires. Running them for long periods may cause internal pieces to wear out and spark. Frayed cords and placing heaters next to combustible objects like bed sheets or window coverings may also lead to devastating results. Other heating elements, such as HVAC systems and fireplaces, might cause fires and ought to be examined regularly.
• Electrical: Worn out wiring, faulty outlets, and overburdened extension cords are a few of the ways electrical complications lead to fires. Whenever you notice burning smells, sparking, or flickering lights, get it inspected right away.
• Candles: When there's a flame, there's the potential for fire. Residential fires caused by candles are still commonplace and usually result from carelessness. Situating them within an area reachable by pets or near ignitable materials will lead to disaster.
• Smoking: Even with the overall decrease in smoking across the nation, it’s still an undeniable fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated that 7,800 residential fires were caused by smoking in 2021. Falling asleep with a cigarette still burning or discarding smoldering ashes prematurely can bring about devastating results.

The best way to prevent house fires in Topeka is to be diligent at all times. Always pay attention when cooking, don’t leave a candle burning unattended, and properly dispose of cigarettes. If you have to use a space heater, do so sparingly and invest in one that offers an automatic shut-off switch in case it is knocked over.

Get help quickly with a monitored fire alarm in Topeka

You should have smoke detectors on every floor and more next to sleeping quarters. But you can take your protection to another level with a monitored fire alarm. These beneficial safety features will not only discern smoke but can also be triggered due to extreme heat. In addition, because they are part of your modern smart home, they’ll notify you and your monitoring professionals whenever a crisis strikes. This is a worthwhile benefit, specifically when you’re not home to hear the alarm and contact the fire department yourself.

Safeguard your home against known risks with a Vivint smart home in Topeka

Upgrade the safety of your property 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 alerts to your smartphone and the 24-hour support that you enjoy with professional monitoring. Dial (785) 369-9429 to get started.