Common causes of residential fires in Brownsville and how to avoid them

There are numerous dangers you must consider as a homeowner. Fire is at the top of the list, as it can happen in various places and at any time. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated an incredible $8.9 billion in property damage throughout the United States due to residential fires in 2021. Also during this year, there were more than 350,000 recorded occurrences. 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 Brownsville.

What causes residential fires in Brownsville?

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

• Cooking: Flare-ups in the kitchen are the most frequent sorts of residential fires in Brownsville and all other areas. Ignored stovetops are the chief culprit, so always watch that scorching skillet when making a meal. It’s also essential to note that soaking a grease fire with water will only make things worse.
• Heating: Area heaters are a well-known cause of residential fires. Running them for too long might result in inner components degrading and catching fire. Frayed cords and putting heaters by flammable objects like bedding or curtains can also lead to disastrous results. Other heating elements, such as HVAC systems and fireplaces, may cause fires and should be inspected frequently.
• Electrical: Outdated wiring, defective outlets, and overburdened extension cords are some ways electrical problems lead to fires. Never operate an appliance with a damaged cord, and ensure ignitable 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 the potential for fire. Residential fires due to candles are still all too common and often result from carelessness. Situating them within an area reachable by pets or too close to combustible objects will lead to disaster.
• Smoking: Even with the overall decline in smoking across the nation, it’s still a primary fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration announced that 7,800 residential fires were a result of smoking in 2021. Nodding off with a cigarette in hand or discarding smoldering ashes carelessly can give rise to devastating results.

The primary way to prevent house fires in Brownsville is to be careful at all times. Always pay attention when cooking, don’t leave a candle burning, and properly discard cigarettes. If you have to run a space heater, do so infrequently and use one that has an automatic shut-off safety precaution in the event it is knocked over.

Safeguard your home with a monitored fire alarm in Brownsville

You should have smoke detectors on all floors and more near sleeping quarters. But you can take your home’s safety to another level with a monitored fire alarm. These innovative safety devices will not only recognize smoke but can also trigger due to extreme heat. Furthermore, considering they are part of your modern smart home, they’ll alert you and your monitoring professionals whenever a crisis takes place. This is a nice benefit, specifically when you’re not there to hear the alarm and contact the fire department.

Defend against known risks with a Vivint smart home in Brownsville

Upgrade the protection of your property 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 thankful for the instant alerts to your mobile device and the 24-hour support that you enjoy with professional monitoring. Place a call to (956) 948-3547 to talk with a Vivint representative.