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

There are many risks you must think about as a property owner. Fire is at the top of the list, 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 as a result of residential fires in 2021. That same year, there were over 350,000 documented fires. Thankfully, there are things you can do to stay clear of them. Investigate the causes and how to prevent house fires in Lima.

What starts residential fires in Lima?

Fires can start anywhere and without notice, whether sparked by a smoldering cigarette in a garbage can or an unattended stovetop. Here are the leading causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Kitchen flare-ups are the most widespread kinds of residential fires in Lima and all other areas. Unattended stovetops are the main origin, so always watch that hot skillet when making dinner. It’s also worth nothing that putting water on a grease fire will only worsen the situation.
• Heating: Space heaters are well known for causing residential fires. Running them for too long can result in internal parts wearing down and igniting. Damaged cords and putting heaters near flammable items like bedding or window coverings can also lead to disastrous results. Other heating devices, such as fireplaces and furnaces, might cause fires and should be checked periodically.
• Electrical: Old wiring, faulty outlets, and overburdened extension cords are a few of the ways electrical issues result in fires. Don’t operate an appliance with a tattered cord, and ensure ignitable objects like paper aren’t placed on a lampshade, get it checked out immediately.
• Candles: If there's a flame, there's a chance of fire. Residential fires caused by candles are still frequently reported and typically result from careless behavior. Placing them within reach of pets or near ignitable items will lead to disaster.
• Smoking: Even with the overall decrease in smoking across the country, it’s still a primary fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated that 7,800 residential fires were started by smoking in 2021. Nodding off with a cigarette in hand or disposing of smoldering ashes prematurely can give rise to destructive results.

The primary way to prevent house fires in Lima is to be careful at all times. Always keep an eye on things when cooking, never leave a candle burning unattended, and discard cigarettes properly. If you need to use a space heater, do so in short intervals and get one that has an automatic shut-off safety precaution in case it is knocked over.

Get help quickly with a monitored fire alarm in Lima

You should have smoke detectors on every floor and more next to sleeping quarters. But you can take your home’s safety a step further with a monitored fire alarm. These modern safety components will not only recognize smoke but can also be triggered due to extreme heat. In addition, considering they incorporate into your modern smart home, they’ll warn you and your monitoring representatives whenever a disaster occurs. This is a nice feature, particularly when you’re not around to hear the alarm and contact the fire department.

Defend against various risks with a Vivint smart home in Lima

Elevate the safety of your residence today with a Vivint smart home. You can custom design our systems with monitored fire alarms, CO detectors, and flood sensors. You’ll appreciate the instant alerts to your mobile device and the 24-hour support that you enjoy with professional monitoring. Contact (419) 614-6227 to speak with a skilled Vivint professional.