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Top causes of residential fires in Manhattan and how to prevent them

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

When you own a home, there are a wide range of threats to think about. Fire is foremost among them, as it can happen anywhere and at any moment. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated a stunning $8.9 billion in property damage throughout the United States as a result of residential fires in 2021. That same year, there were in excess of 350,000 noted fires. Fortunately, there are actions you can take to keep them from arising|. Learn more about the causes and how to prevent house fires in Manhattan.

What starts residential fires in Manhattan?

Fires can start anywhere and without warning, whether ignited by a smoldering cigarette in a garbage can or an ignored stovetop. Here are the top causes of residential fires.

  • Cooking: Incidents in the kitchen are the most widespread kinds of residential fires in Manhattan and everywhere else. Neglected stovetops are the main cause, so always pay attention to that smoking skillet when making dinner. It’s also important to note that soaking a grease fire with water will only make matters worse.
  • Heating: Portable heaters are a well-known cause of residential fires. Running them for too long may cause internal components to wear out and spark. Worn cords and situating heaters next to flammable materials like bed sheets or curtains will also lead to devastating results. Other heating devices, such as furnaces and fireplaces, may cause fires and ought to be inspected regularly.
  • Electrical: Worn out wiring, faulty outlets, and overwhelmed extension cords are several of the ways electrical problems lead to fires. Never operate an appliance with a frayed cord, and make certain combustible materials like paper aren’t layed on top of a lampshade, get it inspected right away.
  • Candles: If there's a flame, there's a chance of fire. Residential fires from candles are still all too common and often result from careless behavior. Burning candles too close to flammable objects like drapery or having them within range of a curious pet will often result in disaster.
  • 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 started by smoking in 2021. Nodding off with a cigarette still burning or prematurely discarding smoldering ashes can cause destructive results.

The primary way to prevent house fires in Manhattan is to be attentive at all times. Always pay attention when cooking, never leave a candle burning unattended, and get rid of cigarettes properly. If you must operate a space heater, do so sparingly and get one that has an automatic shut-off feature in the event it overturns.

Get help quickly with a monitored fire alarm in Manhattan

You ought to have smoke detectors on all floors and more by sleeping quarters. But you can take your home’s safety a step further with a monitored fire alarm. These innovative safety devices will not only detect smoke but can also be tripped due to rising heat. Additionally, considering they integrate into your modern smart home, they’ll notify you and your monitoring specialists whenever a crisis occurs. This is a worthwhile feature, specifically when you’re not there to hear the alarm and call the fire department.

Protect against various threats with a Vivint smart home in Manhattan

Upgrade the protection of your residence today with a Vivint smart home. You may customize our systems with monitored fire alarms, water sensors, and carbon monoxide detectors. You’ll be appreciative of the instant updates to your mobile device and the peace of mind that comes with professional monitoring. Dial (332) 208-9869 to talk with a Vivint representative.