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

When you own a home, there are many risks to think about. Fire is foremost among them, as it can arise in various places 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. In the same year, there were over 350,000 documented fires. Thankfully, there are actions you can take to avoid them. Take a look at the causes and how to prevent house fires in McAllen.

What sparks residential fires in McAllen?

Fires can sprout up anywhere and without warning, whether ignited by a discarded cigarette in a waste container or an ignored stovetop. Here are the leading causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Kitchen flare-ups are the most common types of residential fires in McAllen and elsewhere. Ignored stovetops are the main cause, so always pay attention to that hot skillet when cooking. It’s also worth nothing that soaking a grease fire with water will only worsen the situation.
• Heating: Space heaters are well established as a cause of residential fires. Running them for too long can cause inner pieces to wear out and spark. Worn cords and putting heaters next to combustible materials like bedding or drapes may also lead to disastrous results. Other heating devices, such as furnaces and fireplaces, may cause fires and need to be examined regularly.
• Electrical: Worn out wiring, malfunctioning outlets, and overburdened extension cords are some ways electrical complications lead to fires. Whenever you detect burning smells, sparking, or flickering lights, get it inspected immediately.
• Candles: When there's a flame, there's the possibility of fire. Residential fires caused by candles are still frequently reported and usually result from carelessness. Using candles too close to flammable objects like curtains or leaving them within range of a curious pet will often produce disastrous results.
• Smoking: Despite the overall decrease in smoking nationwide, it’s still an undeniable fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated that 7,800 residential fires were started by smoking in 2021. Dozing off with a cigarette still burning or disposing of smoldering ashes carelessly can bring about destructive results.

The best way to prevent house fires in McAllen is to steer clear of careless behavior. Always pay attention when cooking, don’t leave a candle unattended, and get rid of cigarettes properly. If you have to run a space heater, do so in short intervals and use one that has an automatic shut-off feature in case it is knocked over.

Get help quickly with a monitored fire alarm in McAllen

You ought to have smoke detectors on every floor and more next to sleeping areas. But you can take your protection to another level with a monitored fire alarm. These innovative safety devices will not only recognize smoke but can also be tripped due to elevated heat levels. Furthermore, considering they integrate into your modern smart home, they’ll notify you and your monitoring professionals whenever a disaster occurs. This is a nice benefit, particularly when you’re not there to hear the alarm and phone the fire department.

Safeguard your home against common threats with a Vivint smart home in McAllen

Enhance the safety of your household today with a Vivint smart home. You can customize our systems with monitored fire alarms, water sensors, and carbon monoxide detectors. You’ll be appreciative of the instant notifications to your mobile device and the reassurance that comes with professional monitoring. Contact (956) 303-1646 to talk with a Vivint representative.