Top causes of residential fires in Indianapolis and how to avoid them

There are numerous perils you must consider as a homeowner. Fire is foremost among them, as it can occur in any place and at any moment. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated 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 documented occurrences. Fortunately, there are actions you can take to stay clear of them. Investigate the causes and how to prevent house fires in Indianapolis.

What causes residential fires in Indianapolis?

Fires can begin anywhere and without notice, whether sparked by a discarded cigarette in a waste container or an ignored stovetop. Here are the leading causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Kitchen flare-ups are the most common sorts of residential fires in Indianapolis and everywhere else. Neglected stovetops are the chief culprit, so always pay attention to that scorching skillet when making dinner. It’s also worth nothing that putting water on a grease fire will only worsen the situation.
• Heating: Space heaters are a well-known cause of residential fires. Using them for lengthy amounts of time may result in inner parts degrading and igniting. Damaged cords and situating heaters near flammable objects like blankets or window coverings may also lead to devastating results. Other types of heating, such as furnaces and fireplaces, could cause fires and ought to be checked regularly.
• Electrical: Old wiring, malfunctioning outlets, and overwhelmed extension cords are several of the ways electrical complications lead to fires. Whenever you discern burning smells, sparking, or flickering lights, get it investigated 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. Using candles in close proximity to flammable materials like drapes or keeping them within range of an inquisitive pet will often produce disastrous results.
• Smoking: In spite of the overall decrease in smoking nationwide, it’s still an unquestionable 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 disposing of smoldering ashes can cause devastating results.

The most effective way to prevent house fires in Indianapolis is to be careful at all times. Always watch closely when cooking, don’t leave a candle burning unattended, and get rid of cigarettes properly. If you have to use a space heater, do so in short intervals and get one that has an automatic shut-off feature in the event it is knocked over.

Safeguard your home with a monitored fire alarm in Indianapolis

You should have smoke detectors on every floor and more near sleeping quarters. But you can take your protection a step further with a monitored fire alarm. These beneficial safety features will not only discern smoke but can also be triggered due to rising heat. In addition, considering they incorporate into your modern smart home, they’ll warn you and your monitoring representatives whenever an emergency strikes. This is a worthwhile benefit, especially when you’re not home to hear the alarm and call the fire department yourself.

Defend against various risks with a Vivint smart home in Indianapolis

Enhance the protection of your residence today with a Vivint smart home. You may custom design our systems with monitored fire alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and water sensors. You’ll appreciate the instant alerts to your mobile device and the reassurance that you get with professional monitoring. Contact (317) 978-5706 to get started.