Leading causes of residential fires in Milwaukee and how to avoid them

When you own a home, there are numerous risks to keep in mind. Fire is at the top of the list, as it can arise anywhere and anytime. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated a stunning $8.9 billion in property damage in the United States because of residential fires in 2021. In the same year, there were in excess of 350,000 recorded fires. Fortunately, there are actions you can take to keep them from arising|. Investigate the causes and how to prevent house fires in Milwaukee.

What starts residential fires in Milwaukee?

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

• Cooking: Kitchen flare-ups are the most frequent types of residential fires in Milwaukee and elsewhere. Neglected stovetops are the primary culprit, so always pay attention to that scorching skillet when making a meal. It’s also important to note that putting water on a grease fire will only make things worse.
• Heating: Portable heaters are well established as a cause of residential fires. Using them for too long can cause inner components to break down and ignite. Worn cords and putting heaters near combustible objects like bedding or curtains can also lead to disastrous results. Other heating devices, such as furnaces and fireplaces, could cause fires and need to be examined periodically.
• Electrical: Worn out wiring, malfunctioning outlets, and overloaded extension cords are some ways electrical problems lead to fires. Whenever you detect burning smells, sparking, or flickering lights, get it investigated right away.
• Candles: When there's a flame, there's the possibility of fire. Residential fires due to candles are still commonplace and often result from people being careless. Placing candles too close to ignitable materials like drapes or having them within range of an inquisitive pet will often result in disaster.
• Smoking: In spite of the overall decrease in smoking across the country, it’s still an undeniable fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration announced that 7,800 residential fires were caused by smoking in 2021. Nodding off while holding a cigarette or disposing of smoldering ashes prematurely can cause devastating results.

The most effective way to prevent house fires in Milwaukee is to be careful at all times. Always pay attention when cooking, never leave a candle burning, and get rid of cigarettes properly. If you need to use a space heater, do so infrequently and use one that includes an automatic shut-off feature in the event it is knocked over.

Safeguard your home with a monitored fire alarm in Milwaukee

You should have smoke detectors on all floors and more next to sleeping areas. But you can take your protection to a new level with a monitored fire alarm. These beneficial safety features will not only discern smoke but can also trigger due to rising heat. Furthermore, since they are part of your modern smart home, they’ll notify you and your monitoring specialists whenever a crisis occurs. This is a nice feature, specifically when you’re not home to hear the alarm and call the fire department.

Protect against various threats with a Vivint smart home in Milwaukee

Enhance the safety of your household today with a Vivint smart home. You may custom design our systems with monitored fire alarms, CO detectors, and flood sensors. You’ll be appreciative of the instant updates to your cell phone and the peace of mind that you enjoy with professional monitoring. Dial (414) 409-5889 to talk with a Vivint representative.