Common causes of residential fires in The Woodlands and how to prevent them

When you own a home, there are many hazards to think about. Fire is foremost among them, as it can happen in various places and anytime. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated a stunning $8.9 billion in property damage throughout the United States due to residential fires in 2021. Also during this year, there were over 350,000 noted occurrences. Luckily, there are actions you can take to keep them from arising|. Take a look at the causes and how to prevent house fires in The Woodlands.

What causes residential fires in The Woodlands?

Fires can begin in any spot and without notice, whether caused by a smoldering cigarette in a waste container or an unattended stovetop. Here are the top causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Flare-ups in the kitchen are the most frequent types of residential fires in The Woodlands and all other areas. Unattended stovetops are the primary culprit, so always watch that hot skillet when making dinner. It’s also essential to note that throwing water on a grease fire will only worsen the situation.
• Heating: Space heaters are well established as a cause of residential fires. Using them for too long can result in inner elements degrading and igniting. Situating heaters by combustible objects like bedding and drapery or using worn cords can also lead to devastating results. Other heating devices, such as HVAC systems and fireplaces, could cause fires and ought to be examined periodically.
• Electrical: Old wiring, faulty outlets, and overloaded extension cords are a few of the ways electrical issues lead to fires. Don’t run an appliance with a frayed cord, and ensure combustible substances like paper aren’t layed on top of a lampshade, get it inspected promptly.
• Candles: If there's a flame, there's the potential for fire. Residential fires from candles are still all too common and often result from people being careless. Burning candles next to ignitable materials like drapery or having them within the reach of a curious pet will lead to disaster.
• Smoking: In spite of the overall decrease in smoking across the nation, it’s still a primary fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration announced that 7,800 residential fires were started by smoking in 2021. Dozing off with a cigarette still burning or discarding smoldering ashes prematurely can bring about devastating results.

The primary way to prevent house fires in The Woodlands is to be attentive at all times. Always pay attention when cooking, never leave a candle burning, and properly dispose of cigarettes. If you need to operate a space heater, do so sparingly and use one that includes an automatic shut-off switch in the event it is knocked over.

Protect your family with a monitored fire alarm in The Woodlands

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

Protect against common dangers with a Vivint smart home in The Woodlands

Upgrade the protection of your property today with a Vivint smart home. You may personalize our systems with monitored fire alarms, water sensors, and carbon monoxide detectors. You’ll be appreciative of the instant notifications to your mobile device and the peace of mind that comes with professional monitoring. Dial (346) 787-2806 to talk with a Vivint representative.