Top causes of residential fires in College Station and how to prevent them

When you own a home, there are many hazards to keep in mind. Fire is at the top of the list, as it can arise in any place and anytime. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated a stunning $8.9 billion in property damage across the United States as a result of residential fires in 2021. Also during this year, there were in excess of 350,000 noted incidents. Thankfully, there are things you can do to avoid them. Take a look at the causes and how to prevent house fires in College Station.

What sparks residential fires in College Station?

Fires can begin anywhere and without notice, whether ignited by a burning cigarette in a garbage can or a neglected stovetop. Here are the leading causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Flare-ups in the kitchen are the most common sorts of residential fires in College Station and everywhere else. Unattended stovetops are the primary source, so always watch that hot skillet when cooking. It’s also essential to note that soaking a grease fire with water will only make things worse.
• Heating: Area heaters are a well-known cause of residential fires. Running them for too long might cause inner parts to wear out and ignite. Damaged cords and placing heaters near combustible objects like blankets or window coverings will also lead to devastating results. Other heating devices, such as HVAC systems and fireplaces, might cause fires and should be checked frequently.
• Electrical: Worn out wiring, faulty outlets, and overburdened extension cords are some ways electrical issues cause fires. Whenever you discern flickering lights, sparking from an outlet, or odd odors, get it inspected promptly.
• Candles: When there's a flame, there's the potential for fire. Residential fires from candles are still commonplace and typically result from people being careless. Placing them within a pet’s domain or too close to ignitable materials will often produce disastrous results.
• Smoking: Even with the overall reduction in smoking across the country, it’s still an unquestionable fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration announced that 7,800 residential fires were started by smoking in 2021. Dozing off while holding a cigarette or throwing out smoldering ashes too soon can give rise to destructive results.

The primary way to prevent house fires in College Station is to eliminate careless behavior. Always keep an eye on things when cooking, don’t ever leave a candle burning, and get rid of cigarettes properly. If you need to run a space heater, do so sparingly and get one that includes an automatic shut-off switch in case it tips over.

Protect your family with a monitored fire alarm in College Station

You need to have smoke detectors on all floors and consider using more near sleeping areas. But you can take your home’s safety a step further with a monitored fire alarm. These beneficial safety features will not only discern smoke but can also be tripped due to extreme heat. In addition, considering they are part of your modern smart home, they’ll alert you and your monitoring specialists whenever a disaster takes place. This is a nice perk, specifically when you’re not around to hear the alarm and call the fire department yourself.

Protect against known dangers with a Vivint smart home in College Station

Elevate the protection of your residence today with a Vivint smart home. You can custom design our systems with monitored fire alarms, water sensors, and carbon monoxide detectors. You’ll appreciate the instant notifications to your cell phone and the peace of mind that you get with professional monitoring. Contact (979) 356-2138 to talk with a Vivint representative.