Top causes of residential fires in Lafayette and how to avoid them

There are many risks you have to keep in mind as a property owner. Fire is chief among them, as it can happen in any place and at any time. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated an astounding $8.9 billion in property damage in the United States due to residential fires in 2021. Also during this year, there were in excess of 350,000 noted occurrences. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to stay clear of them. Investigate the causes and how to prevent house fires in Lafayette.

What starts residential fires in Lafayette?

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

• Cooking: Flare-ups in the kitchen are the most frequent types of residential fires in Lafayette and elsewhere. Neglected stovetops are the main culprit, so always watch that scorching skillet when cooking. 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 extended amounts of time can cause inner pieces to break down and ignite. Frayed cords and placing heaters near flammable items like bed sheets or window coverings may also lead to disastrous results. Other heating devices, such as HVAC systems and fireplaces, could cause fires and should be inspected frequently.
• Electrical: Old wiring, defective outlets, and overloaded extension cords are some ways electrical issues lead to fires. Whenever you discern flickering lights, sparking from an outlet, or odd odors, get it inspected promptly.
• Candles: Wherever there's a flame, there's the potential for fire. Residential fires caused by candles are still commonplace and usually result from careless behavior. Placing candles too close to combustible materials like drapes or keeping them within range of an inquisitive pet will often result in disaster.
• Smoking: In spite of the overall decrease in smoking nationwide, it’s still an unquestionable fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated that 7,800 residential fires were started by smoking in 2021. Nodding off with a cigarette in hand or throwing out smoldering ashes too soon can give rise to catastrophic results.

The best way to prevent house fires in Lafayette is to eliminate negligent behavior. Always watch closely when cooking, never leave a candle burning unattended, and properly discard cigarettes. If you must use a space heater, do so in short intervals and invest in one that offers an automatic shut-off feature in case it tips over.

Protect your family with a monitored fire alarm in Lafayette

You need to have smoke detectors on every floor and think about installing more by bedrooms. But you can take your protection a step further with a monitored fire alarm. These innovative safety components will not only recognize smoke but can also be triggered due to rising heat. Additionally, because they incorporate into your modern smart home, they’ll warn you and your monitoring professionals whenever an emergency strikes. This is a worthwhile perk, specifically when you’re not there to hear the alarm and call the fire department.

Defend against common risks with a Vivint smart home in Lafayette

Enhance the safety of your property today with a Vivint smart home. You can personalize our systems with monitored fire alarms, CO detectors, and flood sensors. You’ll appreciate the instant alerts to your cell phone and the reassurance that comes with professional monitoring. Contact (765) 540-9213 to talk with a Vivint representative.