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

When you own a home, there are numerous risks to think about. Fire is chief among them, as it can happen in any place and at any moment. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated an astounding $8.9 billion in property damage in the United States because of residential fires in 2021. In the same year, there were more than 350,000 reported fires. Thankfully, there are actions you can take to keep them from happening|. Investigate the causes and how to prevent house fires in Evansville.

What sparks residential fires in Evansville?

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

• Cooking: Kitchen flare-ups are the most widespread types of residential fires in Evansville and elsewhere. Unattended stovetops are the main origin, so always keep an eye on that hot skillet when making dinner. It’s also essential to note that drenching a grease fire with water will only make things worse.
• Heating: Space heaters are a well-known cause of residential fires. Using them for extended amounts of time might result in internal parts breaking down and catching fire. Placing heaters by combustible fabrics like bed sheets and drapes or using damaged cords will also lead to devastating results. Other heating elements, such as furnaces and fireplaces, might cause fires and ought to be examined frequently.
• Electrical: Worn out wiring, faulty outlets, and overburdened extension cords are a few of the ways electrical complications cause fires. Don’t ever operate an appliance with a tattered cord, and ensure ignitable materials like paper aren’t placed on a lampshade, get it inspected promptly.
• Candles: Wherever there's a flame, there's a chance of fire. Residential fires due to candles are still all too common and often result from people being careless. Placing them within reach of pets or too close to ignitable objects will lead to disaster.
• Smoking: Despite the overall decline in smoking across the nation, it’s still an unquestionable fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated that 7,800 residential fires were a result of smoking in 2021. Nodding off while holding a cigarette or discarding smoldering ashes carelessly can give rise to devastating results.

The primary way to prevent house fires in Evansville is to avoid careless behavior. Always pay attention when cooking, don’t ever leave a candle unattended, and properly dispose of cigarettes. If you have to use a space heater, do so in short intervals and invest in one that includes an automatic shut-off feature in case it tips over.

Safeguard your home with a monitored fire alarm in Evansville

You ought to have smoke detectors on every floor and more by sleeping areas. But you can take your safety a step further with a monitored fire alarm. These modern safety devices will not only detect smoke but can also be tripped due to rising heat. Furthermore, since they integrate into your modern smart home, they’ll notify you and your monitoring professionals whenever a crisis occurs. This is a worthwhile benefit, especially when you’re not around to hear the alarm and contact the fire department.

Defend against known risks with a Vivint smart home in Evansville

Upgrade the safety of your property today with a Vivint smart home. You can custom design our systems with monitored fire alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and water sensors. You’ll be thankful for the instant alerts to your mobile device and the peace of mind that you get with professional monitoring. Contact (812) 310-5880 to talk with a Vivint representative.