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

September 25, 2023
Man surprised by smoke pouring out of oven

There are numerous risks you must think about as a homeowner. Fire is chief among them, as it can happen in various places and at any moment. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated an astounding $8.9 billion in property damage across the United States as a result of residential fires in 2021. Also during this year, there were in excess of 350,000 documented fires. Fortunately, there are things you can do to stay clear of them. Learn more about the causes and how to prevent house fires in Trenton.

What starts residential fires in Trenton?

Fires can sprout up in any location and without warning, whether ignited by a smoldering cigarette in a trash 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 Trenton and elsewhere. Unattended stovetops are the chief origin, so always keep an eye on that smoking skillet when making dinner. It’s also worth nothing that throwing water on a grease fire will only make matters worse.
  • Heating: Area heaters are well established as a cause of residential fires. Using them for too long may result in inner parts wearing down and igniting. Damaged cords and placing heaters near flammable objects like blankets or drapes can also lead to devastating results. Other heating devices, such as fireplaces and furnaces, might cause fires and should be inspected periodically.
  • Electrical: Old wiring, defective outlets, and overwhelmed extension cords are some ways electrical problems cause fires. Don’t ever run an appliance with a damaged cord, and ensure flammable substances like paper aren’t layed on top of a lampshade, get it inspected promptly.
  • Candles: When there's a flame, there's the possibility of fire. Residential fires due to candles are still all too common and usually result from carelessness. Using candles next to ignitable materials like curtains or keeping them within range of a rambunctious pet 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 estimated that 7,800 residential fires were caused by smoking in 2021. Dozing off with a cigarette in hand or prematurely disposing of smoldering ashes can bring about catastrophic results.

The primary way to prevent house fires in Trenton is to be careful at all times. Always pay attention when cooking, don’t leave a candle unattended, and dispose of cigarettes properly. If you must use a space heater, do so sparingly and invest in one that has an automatic shut-off switch in the event it overturns.

Safeguard your home with a monitored fire alarm in Trenton

You should have smoke detectors on every floor and more near sleeping quarters. But you can take your protection to a new level with a monitored fire alarm. These innovative safety components will not only recognize smoke but can also be triggered due to elevated heat levels. Additionally, because they integrate into your modern smart home, they’ll notify you and your monitoring professionals whenever a disaster occurs. This is a worthwhile benefit, particularly when you’re not there to hear the alarm and contact the fire department.

Protect against common risks with a Vivint smart home in Trenton

Upgrade the protection of your household today with a Vivint smart home. You may personalize our systems with monitored fire alarms, CO detectors, and flood sensors. You’ll be thankful for the instant alerts to your cell phone and the 24-hour support that you enjoy with professional monitoring. Dial (609) 928-8223 to speak with a skilled Vivint professional.