Leading causes of residential fires in Palm Springs and how to avoid them

There are numerous dangers you have to consider as a property owner. Fire is at the top of the list, as it can happen in various places and anytime. 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. Also during this year, there were over 350,000 documented occurrences. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to avoid them. Learn more about the causes and how to prevent house fires in Palm Springs.

What sparks residential fires in Palm Springs?

Fires can begin anywhere and without warning, whether caused by a discarded cigarette in a garbage can 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 Palm Springs and everywhere else. Unattended stovetops are the primary cause, so always keep an eye on that smoking skillet when cooking. It’s also essential to note that dumping water on a grease fire will only make things worse.
• Heating: Area heaters are a well-known cause of residential fires. Operating them for too long can result in internal parts degrading and catching fire. Situating heaters near combustible textiles like bedding and curtains or using worn cords will also lead to disaster. Other types of heating, such as HVAC systems and fireplaces, might cause fires and should be inspected regularly.
• Electrical: Old wiring, defective outlets, and overburdened extension cords are a few of the ways electrical problems cause fires. Never use an appliance with a frayed cord, and ensure flammable materials like paper aren’t placed on a lampshade, get it checked out right away.
• Candles: Wherever there's a flame, there's the potential for fire. Residential fires due to candles are still commonplace and typically result from people being careless. Situating them within a pet’s domain or too close to combustible objects will often produce disastrous results.
• Smoking: In spite of the overall decrease in smoking across the nation, it’s still an unquestionable fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated that 7,800 residential fires were started by smoking in 2021. Falling asleep while holding a cigarette or throwing out smoldering ashes too soon can give rise to devastating results.

The most effective way to prevent house fires in Palm Springs is to be attentive at all times. Always keep an eye on things when cooking, don’t ever leave a candle burning, and dispose of cigarettes properly. If you must run a space heater, do so sparingly and get one that includes an automatic shut-off switch in the event it tips over.

Protect your family with a monitored fire alarm in Palm Springs

You ought to have smoke detectors on every floor and more by bedrooms. But you can take your home’s safety to a new level with a monitored fire alarm. These modern safety features will not only detect smoke but can also be triggered due to rising heat. Additionally, considering they incorporate into your modern smart home, they’ll notify you and your monitoring representatives whenever an emergency takes place. This is a notable benefit, especially when you’re not around to hear the alarm and contact the fire department yourself.

Protect against common dangers with a Vivint smart home in Palm Springs

Enhance 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 updates to your cell phone and the reassurance that you enjoy with professional monitoring. Place a call to (760) 334-5668 to talk with a Vivint representative.