Top causes of residential fires in Wichita Falls and how to avoid them

There are numerous perils you have to consider as a property owner. Fire is chief among them, as it can occur in any place and anytime. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated an incredible $8.9 billion in property damage throughout the United States due to residential fires in 2021. That same year, there were more than 350,000 noted occurrences. Luckily, there are things you can do to keep them from taking place|. Learn more about the causes and how to prevent house fires in Wichita Falls.

What sparks residential fires in Wichita Falls?

Fires can sprout up anywhere and without warning, whether caused by a burning cigarette in a garbage can or an ignored stovetop. Here are the most common causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Incidents in the kitchen are the most widespread sorts of residential fires in Wichita Falls and all other areas. Neglected stovetops are the primary source, so always pay attention to that hot skillet when making dinner. It’s also worth nothing that dousing a grease fire with water will only make things worse.
• Heating: Area heaters are well established as a cause of residential fires. Using them for too long may cause internal parts to break down and spark. Frayed cords and placing heaters by combustible objects like bedding or window coverings may also lead to disaster. Other types of heating, such as furnaces and fireplaces, could cause fires and should be examined regularly.
• Electrical: Old wiring, malfunctioning outlets, and overloaded extension cords are some ways electrical complications lead to fires. If you discern sparking, flickering lights, or strange odors, get it investigated immediately.
• Candles: Whenever there's a flame, there's the potential for fire. Residential fires due to candles are still commonplace and usually result from carelessness. Placing candles next to combustible objects like drapery or leaving them within the domain of a curious pet will often produce disastrous results.
• Smoking: Even with the overall decline in smoking nationwide, it’s still an unquestionable fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated that 7,800 residential fires were caused by smoking in 2021. Nodding off with a cigarette still burning or prematurely throwing out smoldering ashes can cause devastating results.

The primary way to prevent house fires in Wichita Falls is to be careful at all times. Always keep an eye on things when cooking, don’t leave a candle unattended, and dispose of cigarettes properly. If you have to use a space heater, do so in short intervals and invest in one that offers an automatic shut-off switch in the event it overturns.

Safeguard your home with a monitored fire alarm in Wichita Falls

You ought to have smoke detectors on all floors and consider using more near sleeping quarters. But you can take your protection a step further with a monitored fire alarm. These modern safety components will not only recognize smoke but can also trigger due to extreme heat. In addition, since they are part of your modern smart home, they’ll warn you and your monitoring professionals whenever a disaster strikes. This is a notable feature, specifically when you’re not around to hear the alarm and contact the fire department.

Protect against known risks with a Vivint smart home in Wichita Falls

Enhance the safety of your household today with a Vivint smart home. You can custom design our systems with monitored fire alarms, water sensors, and carbon monoxide detectors. You’ll be thankful for the instant updates to your cell phone and the reassurance that comes with professional monitoring. Place a call to (940) 209-1266 to speak with a skilled Vivint professional.