Common causes of residential fires in Lafayette and how to prevent them

There are numerous hazards you must consider as a homeowner. Fire is at the top of the list, as it can happen in various places and at any moment. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated an incredible $8.9 billion in property damage in the United States as a result of residential fires in 2021. In the same year, there were over 350,000 reported fires. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to keep them from taking place|. Take a look at the causes and how to prevent house fires in Lafayette.

What starts residential fires in Lafayette?

Fires can begin anywhere and without notice, whether sparked by a burning cigarette in a trash can or an ignored stovetop. Here are the leading causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Kitchen flare-ups are the most widespread kinds of residential fires in Lafayette and everywhere else. Neglected stovetops are the chief culprit, so always watch that smoking skillet when making dinner. It’s also worth nothing that dousing a grease fire with water will only make things worse.
• Heating: Space heaters are well established as a cause of residential fires. Running them for too long might cause inner pieces to break down and ignite. Situating heaters next to flammable fabrics like bedding and drapery or using frayed cords can also lead to disastrous results. Other types of heating, such as HVAC systems and fireplaces, may cause fires and need to be inspected periodically.
• Electrical: Old wiring, faulty outlets, and overwhelmed extension cords are a few of the ways electrical issues cause fires. Whenever you discern sparking, flickering lights, or strange odors, get it inspected immediately.
• Candles: Wherever there's a flame, there's a chance of fire. Residential fires due to candles are still commonplace and typically result from carelessness. Burning candles next to ignitable objects like drapes or leaving them within range of a rambunctious pet will often result in disaster.
• Smoking: Even with the overall decline in smoking across the nation, it’s still a primary fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated that 7,800 residential fires were a result of smoking in 2021. Falling asleep with a cigarette in hand or disposing of smoldering ashes carelessly can give rise to catastrophic results.

The best way to prevent house fires in Lafayette is to be attentive at all times. Always watch closely when cooking, don’t leave a candle burning, and properly get rid of cigarettes. If you need to operate a space heater, do so infrequently and use one that includes an automatic shut-off feature in case it is knocked over.

Protect your family with a monitored fire alarm in Lafayette

You need to have smoke detectors on every floor and think about installing more by sleeping quarters. But you can take your protection a step further with a monitored fire alarm. These beneficial 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 alert you and your monitoring professionals whenever an emergency strikes. This is a nice benefit, specifically when you’re not around to hear the alarm and phone the fire department yourself.

Defend against various dangers with a Vivint smart home in Lafayette

Enhance the protection 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 appreciative of the instant notifications to your smartphone and the reassurance that comes with professional monitoring. Contact (337) 226-0040 to talk with a Vivint representative.