Top causes of residential fires in Miami and how to prevent them

When you own a home, there are numerous hazards to keep in mind. Fire is foremost among them, as it can occur in any place and at any moment. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated a stunning $8.9 billion in property damage across the United States due to residential fires in 2021. Also during this year, there were more than 350,000 documented incidents. Fortunately, there are actions you can take to keep them from happening|. Investigate the causes and how to prevent house fires in Miami.

What starts residential fires in Miami?

Fires can sprout up anywhere and without warning, whether caused by a burning cigarette in a waste container or a neglected stovetop. Here are the leading causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Kitchen flare-ups are the most common sorts of residential fires in Miami and everywhere else. Neglected stovetops are the primary source, so always watch that scorching skillet when making a meal. It’s also essential to note that dousing a grease fire with water will only worsen the situation.
• Heating: Space heaters are a well-known cause of residential fires. Operating them for lengthy amounts of time may cause inner parts to degrade and spark. Situating heaters by combustible objects like bed sheets and curtains or using damaged cords can also lead to devastating results. Other types of heating, such as furnaces and fireplaces, may cause fires and ought to be examined periodically.
• Electrical: Outdated wiring, faulty outlets, and overwhelmed extension cords are some ways electrical problems cause fires. Never run an appliance with a frayed cord, and make sure flammable materials like paper aren’t layed on top of a lampshade, get it checked out right away.
• Candles: When there's a flame, there's the possibility of fire. Residential fires caused by candles are still all too common and usually result from careless behavior. Using candles too close to flammable items like curtains or keeping them within the domain of an inquisitive pet will lead to disaster.
• Smoking: Despite the overall reduction in smoking nationwide, it’s still an unquestionable fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated that 7,800 residential fires were started by smoking in 2021. Nodding off with a cigarette in hand or discarding smoldering ashes carelessly can bring about devastating results.

The best way to prevent house fires in Miami is to be attentive at all times. Always watch closely when cooking, don’t leave a candle unattended, and get rid of cigarettes properly. If you have to run a space heater, do so sparingly and invest in one that offers an automatic shut-off safety precaution in the event it is knocked over.

Protect your family with a monitored fire alarm in Miami

You ought to have smoke detectors on every floor and think about installing more next to sleeping areas. But you can take your home’s safety to another level with a monitored fire alarm. These modern safety devices will not only recognize smoke but can also trigger due to elevated heat levels. Furthermore, since they incorporate into your modern smart home, they’ll notify you and your monitoring professionals whenever an emergency occurs. This is a worthwhile feature, especially when you’re not around to hear the alarm and call the fire department yourself.

Safeguard your home against common threats with a Vivint smart home in Miami

Elevate the protection of your residence today with a Vivint smart home. You can custom design our systems with monitored fire alarms, water sensors, and carbon monoxide detectors. You’ll appreciate the instant updates to your mobile device and the 24-hour support that comes with professional monitoring. Place a call to (786) 833-7988 to talk with a Vivint representative.