Smart technology and easy steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of electrical and other types of home fires. 

While home fires are infrequent, they are almost always severe. Home fires, excluding those caused by wildfires, were responsible for just over 20% of homeowner losses in 2024. But more than the damage caused, these fires led to some traumatizing and disruptive experiences for our members.

Thanks in part to the increased use of technologies like Ting, our members are seeing a decline in the frequency of some of the most devastating types of fires: those caused by electrical issues. However, even one among the membership is too many given the danger and devastation a fire can cause. Together, we can do more to prevent fires from happening. 

We are grateful for all of the responsible actions our members have taken to minimize risk. This is an ongoing process and there is still more progress to make towards our goal of reducing preventable losses and potentially saving lives. This creates a call to action for all of us.  

To get the most comprehensive protection, work with a qualified electrician to ensure your home is protected by a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI). A GFCI protects your home and the people in it from electrical shocks and fires. Per national building codes, GFCI outlets should be installed in your bathroom, basement, laundry room, kitchen and any other area where water is or could be present. But if your home was built before 1970, it could be lacking this important safety feature.  

How it works

GFCIs monitor the flow of electricity in a circuit and can shut off the power within 1/40 of a second if an imbalance is detected, reducing the risk of both injuries from an electrical shock and home fires. GFCIs can be installed directly in your electrical panel to provide protection for your entire circuit or on an outlet-by-outlet basis.  

If a hazard is detected, you’ll receive a notification on your phone and a call from Ting’s Fire Safety Team with next steps. Ting includes a $1,000 lifetime repair credit per sensor if an electrician is required to fix the issue.  

• If you notice flickering lights, blown fuses, burning odors or discolored or scorched outlets, have your electrical system assessed by a qualified electrician as soon as possible.
• Work with a qualified electrician to ensure your electrical system is grounded in case of a lightning strike.  
• Have your electrical panel and furnace inspected annually by a professional.  
• Ensure your stove and oven are properly cleaned and in good working order.  
• Have your chimney inspected and professionally cleaned annually.
• Keep outdoor grills, cookers and fryers at least 3 feet away from your home and away from bushes and shrubs.
• Do not run electrical cords under rugs or furniture.  
• Never leave candles unattended.  
• Have leaves and other debris regularly cleaned from your roof to minimize any potential ignition or fuel.