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

When you own a home, there are a wide range of hazards to consider. Fire is at the top of the list, as it can arise in various places and at any time. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated an incredible $8.9 billion in property damage in the United States due to residential fires in 2021. In the same year, there were over 350,000 recorded fires. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to avoid them. Investigate the causes and how to prevent house fires in Lancaster.

What sparks residential fires in Lancaster?

Fires can start anywhere and without warning, whether ignited by a discarded cigarette in a waste container or a neglected stovetop. Here are the most common causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Kitchen flare-ups are the most widespread sorts of residential fires in Lancaster and everywhere else. Unattended stovetops are the main culprit, so always keep an eye on that smoking skillet when making a meal. It’s also worth nothing that drenching a grease fire with water will only make matters worse.
• Heating: Space heaters are a well-known cause of residential fires. Running them for too long might cause internal parts to degrade and catch fire. Damaged cords and placing heaters by flammable materials like bedding or drapes may also lead to disastrous results. Other heating devices, such as HVAC systems and fireplaces, could cause fires and need to be examined frequently.
• Electrical: Old wiring, malfunctioning outlets, and overburdened extension cords are some ways electrical issues lead to fires. If you detect sparking, flickering lights, or strange odors, get it investigated immediately.
• Candles: If there's a flame, there's a chance of fire. Residential fires caused by candles are still frequently reported and usually result from people being careless. Placing candles too close to combustible materials like drapes or keeping them within range of a curious pet will often result in disaster.
• Smoking: Despite the overall reduction 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. Dozing off with a cigarette still burning or prematurely discarding smoldering ashes can give rise to devastating results.

The most effective way to prevent house fires in Lancaster is to be diligent at all times. Always keep an eye on things when cooking, never leave a candle unattended, and properly discard cigarettes. If you have to operate a space heater, do so in short intervals and get one that offers an automatic shut-off feature in the event it tips over.

Get help quickly with a monitored fire alarm in Lancaster

You should have smoke detectors on each floor and consider using more next to sleeping quarters. But you can take your home’s safety to a new level with a monitored fire alarm. These beneficial safety components will not only recognize smoke but can also trigger due to elevated heat levels. Furthermore, because they incorporate into your modern smart home, they’ll notify you and your monitoring specialists whenever a disaster strikes. This is a worthwhile perk, particularly when you’re not home to hear the alarm and call the fire department.

Protect against common threats with a Vivint smart home in Lancaster

Elevate the protection of your household 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 notifications to your cell phone and the peace of mind that comes with professional monitoring. Dial (717) 922-5237 to get started.