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

When you own a home, there are a wide range of hazards to think about. Fire is at the top of the list, as it can happen in any place and at any time. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated an astounding $8.9 billion in property damage in the United States as a result of residential fires in 2021. That same year, there were in excess of 350,000 documented fires. Luckily, there are actions you can take to keep them from taking place|. Investigate the causes and how to prevent house fires in Minneapolis.

What sparks residential fires in Minneapolis?

Fires can begin anywhere and without notice, whether caused by a discarded cigarette in a garbage can or an unattended stovetop. Here are the top causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Incidents in the kitchen are the most common sorts of residential fires in Minneapolis and elsewhere. Neglected stovetops are the primary origin, so always watch that smoking skillet when cooking. It’s also important to note that dumping water on a grease fire will only worsen the situation.
• Heating: Area heaters are a well-known cause of residential fires. Running them for lengthy amounts of time can cause internal components to wear out and catch fire. Situating heaters next to combustible textiles like bedding and drapery or using damaged cords can also lead to disaster. Other heating devices, such as furnaces and fireplaces, could cause fires and should be inspected periodically.
• Electrical: Worn out wiring, defective outlets, and overwhelmed extension cords are some ways electrical issues result in fires. Don’t ever run an appliance with a frayed cord, and make sure combustible materials like paper aren’t placed on a lampshade, get it investigated promptly.
• Candles: Wherever there's a flame, there's a chance of fire. Residential fires due to candles are still commonplace and usually result from carelessness. Burning candles too close to combustible objects like curtains or leaving them within the domain of a rambunctious pet will lead to disaster.
• Smoking: Even with the overall decrease in smoking nationwide, it’s still a primary fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated that 7,800 residential fires were a result of smoking in 2021. Falling asleep with a cigarette in hand or prematurely disposing of smoldering ashes can cause catastrophic results.

The best way to prevent house fires in Minneapolis is to eliminate reckless behavior. Always keep an eye on things when cooking, never leave a candle unattended, and discard cigarettes properly. If you have to run a space heater, do so sparingly and use one that has an automatic shut-off switch in the event it tips over.

Safeguard your home with a monitored fire alarm in Minneapolis

You need to have smoke detectors on each floor and think about installing more by bedrooms. But you can take your protection to another level with a monitored fire alarm. These modern safety components will not only recognize smoke but can also be triggered due to extreme heat. In addition, since they incorporate into your modern smart home, they’ll warn you and your monitoring representatives whenever a crisis strikes. This is a nice perk, specifically when you’re not home to hear the alarm and phone the fire department yourself.

Defend against various risks with a Vivint smart home in Minneapolis

Upgrade the safety of your household today with a Vivint smart home. You can customize our systems with monitored fire alarms, water sensors, and carbon monoxide detectors. You’ll appreciate the instant alerts to your cell phone and the 24-hour support that comes with professional monitoring. Place a call to (612) 662-1765 to speak with a skilled Vivint professional.