Common causes of residential fires in Austin and how to avoid them

There are many risks you have to keep in mind as a homeowner. Fire is chief among them, as it can happen anywhere 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. That same year, there were in excess of 350,000 reported occurrences. Luckily, there are things you can do to keep them from taking place|. Investigate the causes and how to prevent house fires in Austin.

What causes residential fires in Austin?

Fires can begin anywhere and without notice, whether caused by a smoldering cigarette in a waste container or an ignored stovetop. Here are the leading causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Flare-ups in the kitchen are the most frequent sorts of residential fires in Austin and all other areas. Ignored stovetops are the main origin, so always pay attention to that hot skillet when cooking. It’s also essential to note that soaking a grease fire with water will only worsen the situation.
• Heating: Area heaters are well known for causing residential fires. Running them for too long may cause internal pieces to degrade and ignite. Worn cords and putting heaters by combustible materials like blankets or window coverings may also lead to disastrous results. Other types of heating, such as furnaces and fireplaces, may cause fires and should be inspected periodically.
• Electrical: Outdated wiring, faulty outlets, and overloaded extension cords are several of the ways electrical complications cause fires. Don’t ever operate an appliance with a damaged cord, and make certain combustible substances like paper aren’t put on top of a lampshade, get it inspected immediately.
• Candles: If there's a flame, there's the potential for fire. Residential fires from candles are still frequently reported and typically result from careless behavior. Putting them within an area reachable by pets or next to combustible objects will often produce disastrous results.
• Smoking: Despite 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 started by smoking in 2021. Falling asleep with a cigarette still burning or discarding smoldering ashes prematurely can bring about devastating results.

The primary way to prevent house fires in Austin is to eliminate careless behavior. Always pay attention when cooking, don’t leave a candle burning unattended, and dispose of cigarettes properly. If you need to operate a space heater, do so infrequently and get one that includes an automatic shut-off switch in case it tips over.

Safeguard your home with a monitored fire alarm in Austin

You need to have smoke detectors on all floors and consider using more near sleeping areas. But you can take your protection to a new level with a monitored fire alarm. These modern safety features will not only recognize smoke but can also be triggered due to extreme heat. Furthermore, considering they are part of your modern smart home, they’ll warn you and your monitoring representatives whenever an emergency occurs. This is a nice feature, specifically when you’re not around to hear the alarm and call the fire department yourself.

Defend against various risks with a Vivint smart home in Austin

Elevate the safety of your property today with a Vivint smart home. You can personalize our systems with monitored fire alarms, water sensors, and carbon monoxide detectors. You’ll be thankful for the instant alerts to your smartphone and the peace of mind that comes with professional monitoring. Dial (512) 229-9684 to talk with a Vivint representative.