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Common causes of residential fires in Naperville and how to prevent them

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

There are numerous risks you have to consider as a property owner. Fire is foremost among them, as it can arise anywhere and at any time. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated an astounding $8.9 billion in property damage in the United States due to residential fires in 2021. That same year, there were more than 350,000 recorded incidents. Thankfully, there are actions you can take to keep them from arising|. Investigate the causes and how to prevent house fires in Naperville.

What sparks residential fires in Naperville?

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

  • Cooking: Incidents in the kitchen are the most common sorts of residential fires in Naperville and everywhere else. Neglected stovetops are the chief culprit, so always pay attention to that smoking skillet when making a meal. It’s also important 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. Using them for extended amounts of time may cause inner components to degrade and catch fire. Damaged cords and putting heaters near combustible items like bedding or curtains can also lead to disaster. Other heating elements, such as HVAC systems and fireplaces, might cause fires and should be examined frequently.
  • Electrical: Old wiring, defective outlets, and overburdened extension cords are some ways electrical complications cause fires. Never operate an appliance with a frayed cord, and make certain flammable materials like paper aren’t put on top of a lampshade, get it investigated immediately.
  • Candles: Wherever there's a flame, there's the possibility of fire. Residential fires from candles are still all too common and usually result from people being careless. Situating them within reach of pets or next to flammable objects will often produce disastrous results.
  • Smoking: Even with the overall decrease in smoking nationwide, it’s still an unquestionable fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated that 7,800 residential fires were a result of smoking in 2021. Dozing off with a cigarette in hand or throwing out smoldering ashes carelessly can give rise to catastrophic results.

The primary way to prevent house fires in Naperville is to be attentive at all times. Always keep an eye on things when cooking, don’t ever leave a candle burning unattended, and discard cigarettes properly. If you have to operate a space heater, do so sparingly and use one that has an automatic shut-off safety precaution in case it is knocked over.

Get help quickly with a monitored fire alarm in Naperville

You should have smoke detectors on all floors and consider using more near sleeping areas. But you can take your home’s safety a step further with a monitored fire alarm. These modern safety components will not only discern smoke but can also be tripped due to extreme heat. Furthermore, since they incorporate into your modern smart home, they’ll warn you and your monitoring representatives whenever an emergency strikes. This is a notable benefit, especially when you’re not there to hear the alarm and contact the fire department.

Protect against various dangers with a Vivint smart home in Naperville

Enhance the protection of your residence today with a Vivint smart home. You may personalize our systems with monitored fire alarms, CO detectors, and flood sensors. You’ll be appreciative of the instant notifications to your mobile device and the 24-hour support that comes with professional monitoring. Place a call to (630) 864-6179 to talk with a Vivint representative.