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

There are numerous dangers you must consider as a property owner. Fire is at the top of the list, as it can arise in any place and at any moment. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated an astounding $8.9 billion in property damage throughout the United States as a result of residential fires in 2021. That same year, there were more than 350,000 documented fires. Luckily, there are things you can do to keep them from arising|. Take a look at the causes and how to prevent house fires in Pittsburgh.

What sparks residential fires in Pittsburgh?

Fires can start in any location and without notice, whether sparked by a discarded cigarette in a garbage can or an ignored stovetop. Here are the top causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Kitchen flare-ups are the most common types of residential fires in Pittsburgh and all other areas. Ignored stovetops are the primary cause, so always pay attention to that scorching skillet when cooking. It’s also worth nothing that dumping water on a grease fire will only make things worse.
• Heating: Area heaters are well established as a cause of residential fires. Operating them for long amounts of time might cause inner components to wear out and catch fire. Frayed cords and situating heaters by flammable materials like blankets or window coverings can also lead to disaster. Other types of heating, such as HVAC systems and fireplaces, might cause fires and should be checked regularly.
• Electrical: Old wiring, defective outlets, and overloaded extension cords are several of the ways electrical problems result in fires. Whenever you notice flickering lights, sparking from an outlet, or odd odors, get it checked out promptly.
• Candles: If there's a flame, there's a chance of fire. Residential fires from candles are still all too common and usually result from careless behavior. Using candles too close to combustible objects like drapery or leaving them within the reach of an inquisitive pet will often produce disastrous results.
• Smoking: Even with the overall reduction in smoking across the country, it’s still an undeniable fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration announced that 7,800 residential fires were caused by smoking in 2021. Falling asleep with a cigarette in hand or prematurely discarding smoldering ashes can bring about devastating results.

The most effective way to prevent house fires in Pittsburgh is to be attentive at all times. Always keep an eye on things 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 infrequently and get one that has an automatic shut-off feature in case it is knocked over.

Protect your family with a monitored fire alarm in Pittsburgh

You need to have smoke detectors on every floor and think about installing more next to sleeping quarters. But you can take your safety a step further with a monitored fire alarm. These beneficial safety features will not only recognize smoke but can also trigger due to rising heat. Additionally, considering they incorporate into your modern smart home, they’ll warn you and your monitoring professionals whenever a disaster occurs. This is a nice feature, especially when you’re not home to hear the alarm and call the fire department yourself.

Defend against common dangers with a Vivint smart home in Pittsburgh

Enhance the safety of your property today with a Vivint smart home. You can custom design our systems with monitored fire alarms, CO detectors, and flood sensors. You’ll appreciate the instant updates to your cell phone and the 24-hour support that comes with professional monitoring. Place a call to (412) 318-9359 to talk with a Vivint representative.