Top causes of residential fires in Amarillo and how to avoid them

When you own a home, there are many risks to think about. Fire is chief among them, as it can arise anywhere and anytime. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated an astounding $8.9 billion in property damage across the United States as a result of residential fires in 2021. In the same year, there were over 350,000 recorded incidents. Thankfully, there are things you can do to stay clear of them. Investigate the causes and how to prevent house fires in Amarillo.

What sparks residential fires in Amarillo?

Fires can start in any spot and without notice, whether ignited by a discarded cigarette in a waste container or an ignored stovetop. Here are the most common causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Incidents in the kitchen are the most common kinds of residential fires in Amarillo and everywhere else. Neglected stovetops are the primary cause, so always watch that scorching skillet when making a meal. It’s also essential to note that dumping water on a grease fire will only make matters worse.
• Heating: Space heaters are well established as a cause of residential fires. Operating them for long amounts of time might cause internal parts to degrade and ignite. Situating heaters by combustible fabrics like bed sheets and curtains or using damaged cords may also lead to devastating results. Other heating elements, such as fireplaces and furnaces, could cause fires and ought to be checked regularly.
• Electrical: Outdated wiring, malfunctioning outlets, and overloaded extension cords are some ways electrical problems result in fires. Don’t ever use an appliance with a damaged cord, and make certain ignitable objects like paper aren’t put on top of a lampshade, get it investigated immediately.
• Candles: When there's a flame, there's a chance of fire. Residential fires due to candles are still commonplace and usually result from people being careless. Burning candles in close proximity to ignitable materials like curtains or leaving them within range of an inquisitive pet will often produce disastrous results.
• Smoking: Even with the overall decline in smoking across the country, it’s still an undeniable fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration announced that 7,800 residential fires were caused by smoking in 2021. Nodding off while holding a cigarette or disposing of smoldering ashes too soon can bring about devastating results.

The best way to prevent house fires in Amarillo is to be attentive at all times. Always pay attention when cooking, don’t leave a candle burning unattended, and properly get rid of cigarettes. If you need to operate a space heater, do so infrequently and invest in one that includes an automatic shut-off switch in case it overturns.

Safeguard your home with a monitored fire alarm in Amarillo

You need to have smoke detectors on every floor and more near bedrooms. But you can take your protection to another level with a monitored fire alarm. These modern safety devices will not only discern smoke but can also be tripped due to extreme heat. Additionally, considering they are part of your modern smart home, they’ll notify you and your monitoring representatives whenever a crisis occurs. This is a notable benefit, especially when you’re not there to hear the alarm and phone the fire department yourself.

Protect against various threats with a Vivint smart home in Amarillo

Upgrade the safety of your residence today with a Vivint smart home. You may personalize our systems with monitored fire alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and water sensors. You’ll appreciate the instant alerts to your mobile device and the peace of mind that comes with professional monitoring. Dial (806) 615-4222 to talk with a Vivint representative.