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

September 25, 2023
Man surprised by smoke pouring out of oven

There are a plethora of hazards you must think about as a homeowner. Fire is at the top of the list, as it can happen in various places and anytime. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated an incredible $8.9 billion in property damage in the United States as a result of residential fires in 2021. That same year, there were in excess of 350,000 recorded incidents. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to keep them from taking place|. Learn more about the causes and how to prevent house fires in Lubbock.

What starts residential fires in Lubbock?

Fires can start anywhere and without warning, whether sparked by a discarded cigarette in a waste container or a neglected stovetop. Here are the most common causes of residential fires.

  • Cooking: Kitchen flare-ups are the most frequent kinds of residential fires in Lubbock and elsewhere. Unattended stovetops are the chief source, so always watch that hot skillet when making a meal. It’s also important to note that putting water on a grease fire will only worsen the situation.
  • Heating: Portable heaters are well established as a cause of residential fires. Running them for extended amounts of time might cause internal pieces to degrade and catch fire. Damaged cords and situating heaters near combustible objects like blankets or window coverings will also lead to disaster. Other heating elements, such as HVAC systems and fireplaces, could cause fires and ought to be examined regularly.
  • Electrical: Old wiring, malfunctioning outlets, and overburdened extension cords are a few of the ways electrical complications cause fires. Whenever you detect flickering lights, sparking from an outlet, or odd odors, get it inspected right away.
  • Candles: If there's a flame, there's a chance of fire. Residential fires caused by candles are still frequently reported and usually result from careless behavior. Situating them within a pet’s domain or next to ignitable materials will often result in disaster.
  • Smoking: In spite of the overall reduction in smoking across the nation, it’s still an unquestionable 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 prematurely discarding smoldering ashes can bring about catastrophic results.

The best way to prevent house fires in Lubbock is to eliminate reckless behavior. Always keep an eye on things when cooking, don’t leave a candle burning unattended, and properly get rid of cigarettes. If you must operate a space heater, do so infrequently and invest in one that includes an automatic shut-off switch in the event it overturns.

Protect your family with a monitored fire alarm in Lubbock

You need to have smoke detectors on each floor and consider using more next to sleeping quarters. But you can take your home’s safety to another level with a monitored fire alarm. These innovative safety components will not only recognize smoke but can also be triggered due to elevated heat levels. In addition, because they are part of your modern smart home, they’ll alert you and your monitoring professionals whenever an emergency strikes. This is a notable perk, particularly when you’re not around to hear the alarm and phone the fire department yourself.

Safeguard your home against various dangers with a Vivint smart home in Lubbock

Enhance the protection of your household today with a Vivint smart home. You may custom design our systems with monitored fire alarms, water sensors, and carbon monoxide detectors. You’ll be appreciative of the instant alerts to your smartphone and the reassurance that you enjoy with professional monitoring. Place a call to (806) 615-4325 to speak with a skilled Vivint professional.