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

When you own a home, there are a wide range of risks to think about. Fire is foremost among them, as it can happen in various places and anytime. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated an astounding $8.9 billion in property damage throughout the United States due to residential fires in 2021. In the same year, there were more than 350,000 documented occurrences. Luckily, there are things you can do to avoid them. Investigate the causes and how to prevent house fires in Tyler.

What sparks residential fires in Tyler?

Fires can start in any location and without warning, whether caused by a discarded cigarette in a waste container or an ignored stovetop. Here are the top causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Kitchen flare-ups are the most common types of residential fires in Tyler and all other areas. Ignored stovetops are the chief origin, so always keep an eye on that smoking skillet when cooking. It’s also worth nothing that soaking a grease fire with water will only worsen the situation.
• Heating: Portable heaters are a well-known cause of residential fires. Operating them for too long may result in inner parts degrading and igniting. Worn cords and situating heaters near combustible items like bed sheets or window coverings can also lead to disaster. Other heating elements, such as HVAC systems and fireplaces, may cause fires and need to be examined regularly.
• Electrical: Worn out wiring, defective outlets, and overloaded extension cords are several of the ways electrical issues cause fires. Never operate an appliance with a frayed cord, and ensure flammable substances like paper aren’t layed on top of a lampshade, get it checked out right away.
• Candles: Whenever there's a flame, there's a chance of fire. Residential fires caused by candles are still frequently reported and often result from carelessness. Putting them within reach of pets or next to ignitable materials will lead to disaster.
• Smoking: In spite of the overall decline in smoking across the country, it’s still an unquestionable fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration announced that 7,800 residential fires were started by smoking in 2021. Falling asleep with a cigarette still burning or prematurely discarding smoldering ashes can give rise to devastating results.

The primary way to prevent house fires in Tyler is to be attentive at all times. Always keep an eye on things when cooking, don’t leave a candle unattended, and properly discard cigarettes. If you need to use a space heater, do so sparingly and get one that offers an automatic shut-off switch in the event it tips over.

Safeguard your home with a monitored fire alarm in Tyler

You need to have smoke detectors on all floors and more by sleeping areas. But you can take your protection a step further with a monitored fire alarm. These modern safety components will not only discern smoke but can also trigger due to elevated heat levels. Furthermore, since they are part of your modern smart home, they’ll notify you and your monitoring professionals whenever an emergency takes place. This is a nice perk, especially when you’re not around to hear the alarm and contact the fire department yourself.

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

Elevate the safety of your household today with a Vivint smart home. You can customize our systems with monitored fire alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and water sensors. You’ll appreciate the instant alerts to your cell phone and the peace of mind that you enjoy with professional monitoring. Contact (903) 459-7565 to talk with a Vivint representative.