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

There are numerous risks you must think about as a property owner. Fire is chief among them, as it can arise anywhere and anytime. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated an incredible $8.9 billion in property damage in the United States due to residential fires in 2021. In the same year, there were over 350,000 documented fires. Thankfully, there are things you can do to avoid them. Take a look at the causes and how to prevent house fires in Waco.

What causes residential fires in Waco?

Fires can start in any location and without notice, whether ignited by a burning cigarette in a garbage can or an unattended stovetop. Here are the top causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Kitchen flare-ups are the most frequent sorts of residential fires in Waco and everywhere else. Ignored stovetops are the main cause, so always pay attention to that scorching skillet when making dinner. It’s also worth nothing that throwing water on a grease fire will only worsen the situation.
• Heating: Portable heaters are well established as a cause of residential fires. Running them for long time periods might cause internal parts to break down and spark. Placing heaters next to combustible objects like bedding and drapery or using worn cords may also lead to disaster. Other heating elements, such as fireplaces and furnaces, might cause fires and ought to be checked periodically.
• Electrical: Old wiring, defective outlets, and overloaded extension cords are some ways electrical issues lead to fires. Whenever you discern sparking, flickering lights, or strange odors, get it inspected right away.
• Candles: If there's a flame, there's a chance of fire. Residential fires caused by candles are still all too common and typically result from careless behavior. Placing them within a pet’s domain or too close to ignitable objects will often produce disastrous results.
• Smoking: Even with the overall reduction in smoking across the nation, it’s still an undeniable fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated that 7,800 residential fires were caused by smoking in 2021. Falling asleep while holding a cigarette or discarding smoldering ashes carelessly can bring about catastrophic results.

The primary way to prevent house fires in Waco is to be diligent at all times. Always watch closely when cooking, don’t ever leave a candle burning, and properly get rid of cigarettes. If you have to operate a space heater, do so in short intervals and use one that has an automatic shut-off switch in case it overturns.

Protect your family with a monitored fire alarm in Waco

You need to have smoke detectors on all floors and consider using more by sleeping quarters. But you can take your home’s safety to another level with a monitored fire alarm. These innovative safety features will not only recognize smoke but can also be triggered due to rising heat. Furthermore, considering they incorporate into your modern smart home, they’ll warn you and your monitoring professionals whenever a disaster occurs. This is a notable feature, specifically when you’re not there to hear the alarm and phone the fire department.

Safeguard your home against known risks with a Vivint smart home in Waco

Elevate the safety of your residence today with a Vivint smart home. You can personalize our systems with monitored fire alarms, water sensors, and carbon monoxide detectors. You’ll appreciate the instant notifications to your smartphone and the reassurance that comes with professional monitoring. Dial (254) 970-3775 to speak with a skilled Vivint professional.