Leading causes of residential fires in Little Rock and how to avoid them

When you own a home, there are a wide range of threats to consider. Fire is foremost among them, as it can arise in any place 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 over 350,000 noted fires. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to stay clear of them. Take a look at the causes and how to prevent house fires in Little Rock.

What starts residential fires in Little Rock?

Fires can begin in any spot and without warning, whether ignited by a smoldering cigarette in a garbage can or an ignored stovetop. Here are the top causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Incidents in the kitchen are the most common types of residential fires in Little Rock and everywhere else. Neglected stovetops are the main cause, so always keep an eye on that hot skillet when cooking. It’s also essential to note that putting water on a grease fire will only make things worse.
• Heating: Area heaters are a well-known cause of residential fires. Running them for long amounts of time might cause internal pieces to degrade and spark. Worn cords and putting heaters near combustible objects like bed sheets or window coverings can also lead to disastrous results. Other heating devices, such as furnaces and fireplaces, could cause fires and need to be inspected regularly.
• Electrical: Worn out wiring, malfunctioning outlets, and overburdened extension cords are a few of the ways electrical problems result in fires. If you notice burning smells, sparking, or flickering lights, get it checked out immediately.
• Candles: If there's a flame, there's a chance of fire. Residential fires from candles are still all too common and usually result from people being careless. Using candles too close to flammable materials like drapes or keeping them within range of a curious pet will often result in disaster.
• Smoking: Even with the overall reduction in smoking nationwide, it’s still an unquestionable fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated that 7,800 residential fires were started by smoking in 2021. Falling asleep with a cigarette in hand or discarding smoldering ashes too soon can give rise to catastrophic results.

The most effective way to prevent house fires in Little Rock is to avoid reckless behavior. Always pay attention when cooking, don’t ever leave a candle unattended, and discard cigarettes properly. If you have to operate a space heater, do so sparingly and get one that includes an automatic shut-off switch in the event it tips over.

Protect your family with a monitored fire alarm in Little Rock

You ought to have smoke detectors on every floor and more near sleeping quarters. But you can take your safety to a new level with a monitored fire alarm. These innovative safety devices will not only recognize smoke but can also be triggered due to elevated heat levels. Furthermore, considering they are part of your modern smart home, they’ll warn you and your monitoring specialists whenever a crisis strikes. This is a notable benefit, specifically when you’re not around to hear the alarm and phone the fire department.

Protect against various threats with a Vivint smart home in Little Rock

Elevate the protection of your residence today with a Vivint smart home. You may custom design our systems with monitored fire alarms, water sensors, and carbon monoxide detectors. You’ll appreciate the instant updates to your cell phone and the 24-hour support that comes with professional monitoring. Place a call to (501) 510-8749 to get started.