Leading causes of residential fires in Binghamton and how to prevent them

When you own a home, there are numerous threats to consider. Fire is chief among them, as it can happen in any place and at any moment. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated an incredible $8.9 billion in property damage in the United States due to residential fires in 2021. In the same year, there were more than 350,000 recorded occurrences. Thankfully, there are things you can do to keep them from taking place|. Learn more about the causes and how to prevent house fires in Binghamton.

What sparks residential fires in Binghamton?

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

• Cooking: Incidents in the kitchen are the most frequent sorts of residential fires in Binghamton and elsewhere. Neglected stovetops are the chief cause, so always watch that hot skillet when making dinner. It’s also essential to note that dousing a grease fire with water will only make matters worse.
• Heating: Area heaters are well established as a cause of residential fires. Operating them for too long can result in internal components wearing down and catching fire. Worn cords and placing heaters near combustible materials like bedding or curtains will also lead to disastrous results. Other heating elements, such as HVAC systems and fireplaces, may cause fires and should be examined frequently.
• Electrical: Old wiring, defective outlets, and overburdened extension cords are a few of the ways electrical problems lead to fires. If you detect burning smells, sparking, or flickering lights, get it checked out immediately.
• Candles: Whenever there's a flame, there's the potential for fire. Residential fires due to candles are still all too common and typically result from carelessness. Placing them within a pet’s domain or near ignitable objects will often result in disaster.
• Smoking: In spite of the overall reduction in smoking across the country, 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. Dozing off with a cigarette in hand or prematurely disposing of smoldering ashes can give rise to catastrophic results.

The most effective way to prevent house fires in Binghamton is to eliminate 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 infrequently and use one that has an automatic shut-off safety precaution in case it tips over.

Get help quickly with a monitored fire alarm in Binghamton

You should have smoke detectors on all floors and think about installing more next to bedrooms. But you can take your safety to another level with a monitored fire alarm. These innovative safety components will not only detect smoke but can also be triggered due to elevated heat levels. In addition, because they incorporate into your modern smart home, they’ll alert you and your monitoring professionals whenever an emergency occurs. This is a nice benefit, specifically when you’re not there to hear the alarm and contact the fire department yourself.

Defend against various threats with a Vivint smart home in Binghamton

Enhance the safety of your household today with a Vivint smart home. You can personalize our systems with monitored fire alarms, water sensors, and carbon monoxide detectors. You’ll be appreciative of the instant updates to your smartphone and the peace of mind that comes with professional monitoring. Dial (607) 600-9610 to talk with a Vivint representative.