Top causes of residential fires in San Francisco and how to avoid them

When you own a home, there are many threats to keep in mind. Fire is at the top of the list, as it can arise in various places and at any time. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated a stunning $8.9 billion in property damage across the United States as a result of residential fires in 2021. That same year, there were more than 350,000 reported occurrences. Fortunately, there are things you can do to keep them from arising|. Investigate the causes and how to prevent house fires in San Francisco.

What sparks residential fires in San Francisco?

Fires can sprout up in any spot and without warning, whether sparked by a smoldering cigarette in a trash can or an unattended stovetop. Here are the leading causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Incidents in the kitchen are the most widespread types of residential fires in San Francisco and everywhere else. Unattended stovetops are the primary source, so always watch that scorching skillet when making dinner. It’s also important to note that dumping water on a grease fire will only make things worse.
• Heating: Area heaters are well known for causing residential fires. Operating them for too long can result in internal elements wearing down and igniting. Frayed cords and putting heaters near flammable materials like bedding or window coverings will also lead to disastrous results. Other heating elements, such as HVAC systems and fireplaces, might cause fires and ought to be examined periodically.
• Electrical: Old wiring, defective outlets, and overwhelmed extension cords are a few of the ways electrical problems result in fires. Don’t ever run an appliance with a frayed cord, and make certain flammable objects like paper aren’t placed on a lampshade, get it inspected immediately.
• Candles: Whenever there's a flame, there's a chance of fire. Residential fires due to candles are still frequently reported and often result from people being careless. Placing them within an area reachable by pets or next to ignitable materials will often result in disaster.
• Smoking: In spite of the overall decrease in smoking across the nation, it’s still an unquestionable fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration announced that 7,800 residential fires were a result of smoking in 2021. Falling asleep with a cigarette still burning or prematurely throwing out smoldering ashes can give rise to destructive results.

The most effective way to prevent house fires in San Francisco is to be careful at all times. Always watch closely when cooking, don’t leave a candle unattended, and properly discard cigarettes. If you must operate a space heater, do so sparingly and use one that includes an automatic shut-off switch in case it tips over.

Safeguard your home with a monitored fire alarm in San Francisco

You need to have smoke detectors on all floors and consider using more near sleeping quarters. But you can take your safety a step further with a monitored fire alarm. These modern safety devices will not only recognize smoke but can also be triggered due to rising heat. Furthermore, because they integrate into your modern smart home, they’ll warn you and your monitoring specialists whenever an emergency strikes. This is a nice feature, especially when you’re not around to hear the alarm and contact the fire department.

Protect against common dangers with a Vivint smart home in San Francisco

Upgrade the protection of your residence today with a Vivint smart home. You may customize our systems with monitored fire alarms, CO detectors, and flood sensors. You’ll be appreciative of the instant alerts to your mobile device and the peace of mind that you get with professional monitoring. Dial (415) 969-9484 to speak with a skilled Vivint professional.