Top causes of residential fires in Cedar Rapids and how to prevent them

When you own a home, there are numerous threats to keep in mind. Fire is at the top of the list, as it can happen anywhere and at any time. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated a stunning $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 noted incidents. Luckily, there are actions you can take to keep them from happening|. Take a look at the causes and how to prevent house fires in Cedar Rapids.

What causes residential fires in Cedar Rapids?

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

• Cooking: Incidents in the kitchen are the most frequent types of residential fires in Cedar Rapids and everywhere else. Neglected stovetops are the main cause, so always keep an eye on that scorching skillet when making dinner. It’s also important to note that dousing a grease fire with water will only worsen the situation.
• Heating: Area heaters are well established as a cause of residential fires. Using them for extended amounts of time can cause internal parts to break down and catch fire. Damaged cords and placing heaters near combustible items like bed sheets or drapes can also lead to disaster. Other heating devices, such as fireplaces and furnaces, may cause fires and should be examined frequently.
• Electrical: Worn out wiring, malfunctioning outlets, and overburdened extension cords are some ways electrical complications cause fires. If you detect burning smells, sparking, or flickering lights, get it checked out right away.
• Candles: Wherever there's a flame, there's a chance of fire. Residential fires from candles are still frequently reported and usually result from people being careless. Using candles too close to ignitable materials like drapes or keeping them within range of a rambunctious pet will lead to disaster.
• Smoking: In spite of the overall decrease in smoking across the country, it’s still an unquestionable fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated that 7,800 residential fires were a result of smoking in 2021. Falling asleep with a cigarette in hand or prematurely discarding smoldering ashes can bring about destructive results.

The best way to prevent house fires in Cedar Rapids is to be diligent at all times. Always keep an eye on things when cooking, don’t ever leave a candle unattended, and get rid of cigarettes properly. If you must operate a space heater, do so in short intervals and use one that has an automatic shut-off switch in the event it tips over.

Get help quickly with a monitored fire alarm in Cedar Rapids

You should have smoke detectors on all floors and think about installing more by bedrooms. But you can take your home’s safety a step further with a monitored fire alarm. These beneficial safety components will not only detect smoke but can also be tripped due to elevated heat levels. Additionally, since they are part of your modern smart home, they’ll notify you and your monitoring specialists whenever a disaster takes place. This is a worthwhile perk, particularly when you’re not around to hear the alarm and call the fire department.

Protect against common threats with a Vivint smart home in Cedar Rapids

Upgrade 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 appreciative of the instant updates to your smartphone and the peace of mind that you enjoy with professional monitoring. Place a call to (319) 419-4827 to talk with a Vivint representative.