Common causes of residential fires in El Paso and how to avoid them

When you own a home, there are a wide range of threats to consider. Fire is at the top of the list, as it can arise in any place and anytime. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated an astounding $8.9 billion in property damage in the United States due to residential fires in 2021. That same year, there were over 350,000 reported occurrences. Luckily, there are steps you can take to stay clear of them. Learn more about the causes and how to prevent house fires in El Paso.

What sparks residential fires in El Paso?

Fires can sprout up anywhere and without notice, whether caused by a smoldering cigarette in a waste container or an ignored stovetop. Here are the most common causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Kitchen flare-ups are the most widespread sorts of residential fires in El Paso and elsewhere. Ignored stovetops are the primary source, so always watch that hot skillet when cooking. It’s also essential to note that dumping water on a grease fire will only make matters worse.
• Heating: Area heaters are well established as a cause of residential fires. Operating them for too long can cause inner pieces to break down and ignite. Damaged cords and placing heaters by flammable materials like blankets or curtains may also lead to devastating results. Other heating devices, such as HVAC systems and fireplaces, could cause fires and should be examined regularly.
• Electrical: Worn out wiring, faulty outlets, and overwhelmed extension cords are several of the ways electrical complications lead to fires. Don’t run an appliance with a tattered cord, and make certain ignitable substances like paper aren’t put on top of a lampshade, get it investigated promptly.
• Candles: Whenever there's a flame, there's the potential for fire. Residential fires from candles are still frequently reported and often result from people being careless. Putting them within a pet’s domain or near combustible objects will lead to disaster.
• Smoking: In spite of the overall decline in smoking across the country, it’s still a primary fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated that 7,800 residential fires were started by smoking in 2021. Nodding off while holding a cigarette or throwing out smoldering ashes too soon can bring about devastating results.

The most effective way to prevent house fires in El Paso is to be careful at all times. Always keep an eye on things when cooking, don’t ever leave a candle unattended, and discard cigarettes properly. If you need to use a space heater, do so in short intervals and invest in one that has an automatic shut-off switch in the event it overturns.

Protect your family with a monitored fire alarm in El Paso

You ought to have smoke detectors on all floors and think about installing more by sleeping areas. But you can take your safety a step further with a monitored fire alarm. These innovative safety devices will not only detect smoke but can also trigger due to rising heat. In addition, considering they are part of your modern smart home, they’ll alert you and your monitoring specialists whenever an emergency strikes. This is a worthwhile benefit, particularly when you’re not there to hear the alarm and call the fire department.

Defend against known risks with a Vivint smart home in El Paso

Elevate the protection of your residence today with a Vivint smart home. You may personalize our systems with monitored fire alarms, water sensors, and carbon monoxide detectors. You’ll be thankful for the instant updates to your cell phone and the reassurance that you get with professional monitoring. Contact (915) 465-3064 to speak with a skilled Vivint professional.