Common causes of residential fires in Long Island and how to prevent them

When you own a home, there are numerous hazards to consider. Fire is foremost among them, as it can happen in various places and anytime. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated a stunning $8.9 billion in property damage throughout the United States as a result of residential fires in 2021. Also during this year, there were in excess of 350,000 documented fires. Thankfully, there are actions you can take to avoid them. Investigate the causes and how to prevent house fires in Long Island.

What starts residential fires in Long Island?

Fires can sprout up in any location and without warning, whether ignited by a discarded cigarette in a garbage can or an unattended stovetop. Here are the leading causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Flare-ups in the kitchen are the most widespread kinds of residential fires in Long Island and everywhere else. Ignored stovetops are the chief source, so always watch that smoking skillet when cooking. It’s also worth nothing that dumping water on a grease fire will only worsen the situation.
• Heating: Portable heaters are well established as a cause of residential fires. Running them for too long can cause internal parts to wear out and catch fire. Putting heaters near combustible objects like bedding and curtains or using frayed cords can also lead to disaster. Other heating devices, such as fireplaces and furnaces, may cause fires and need to be checked frequently.
• Electrical: Old wiring, malfunctioning outlets, and overwhelmed extension cords are some ways electrical problems result in fires. Don’t use an appliance with a damaged cord, and ensure flammable objects like paper aren’t put on top of a lampshade, get it investigated right away.
• Candles: When there's a flame, there's the potential for fire. Residential fires due to candles are still all too common and typically result from people being careless. Placing candles next to flammable items like drapery or leaving them within the reach of an inquisitive pet will often result in disaster.
• Smoking: Despite the overall decrease in smoking across the country, it’s still a primary 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 prematurely throwing out smoldering ashes can bring about devastating results.

The primary way to prevent house fires in Long Island is to avoid reckless behavior. Always keep an eye on things when cooking, never leave a candle burning unattended, and properly discard cigarettes. If you have to operate a space heater, do so sparingly and invest in one that offers an automatic shut-off switch in the event it is knocked over.

Safeguard your home with a monitored fire alarm in Long Island

You should have smoke detectors on each floor and more by bedrooms. But you can take your home’s safety to another level with a monitored fire alarm. These beneficial safety components will not only recognize smoke but can also trigger due to extreme heat. In addition, since they integrate into your modern smart home, they’ll alert you and your monitoring specialists whenever a crisis occurs. This is a worthwhile feature, specifically when you’re not home to hear the alarm and call the fire department yourself.

Protect against various risks with a Vivint smart home in Long Island

Upgrade the protection of your property today with a Vivint smart home. You can custom design our systems with monitored fire alarms, water sensors, and carbon monoxide detectors. You’ll be thankful for the instant notifications to your cell phone and the peace of mind that you enjoy with professional monitoring. Dial (631) 502-4004 to get started.