Top causes of residential fires in Lexington and how to avoid them

When you own a home, there are many threats to keep in mind. Fire is foremost among them, as it can happen anywhere and at any time. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated an astounding $8.9 billion in property damage throughout the United States because of residential fires in 2021. In the same year, there were over 350,000 reported fires. Luckily, there are actions you can take to keep them from taking place|. Investigate the causes and how to prevent house fires in Lexington.

What causes residential fires in Lexington?

Fires can sprout up in any spot and without notice, whether ignited 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 frequent types of residential fires in Lexington and all other areas. Ignored stovetops are the main cause, so always pay attention to that hot skillet when making a meal. It’s also important to note that throwing water on a grease fire will only make matters worse.
• Heating: Portable heaters are well known for causing residential fires. Running them for extended amounts of time may cause internal components to degrade and spark. Placing heaters near flammable textiles like bedding and curtains or using frayed cords can also lead to disaster. Other types of heating, such as HVAC systems and fireplaces, might cause fires and ought to be inspected periodically.
• Electrical: Worn out wiring, malfunctioning outlets, and overburdened extension cords are several of the ways electrical complications lead to fires. Never run an appliance with a tattered cord, and make sure combustible materials like paper aren’t layed on top of a lampshade, get it inspected right away.
• Candles: Whenever there's a flame, there's a chance of fire. Residential fires due to candles are still frequently reported and typically result from carelessness. Situating them within reach of pets or next to flammable objects will often produce disastrous results.
• Smoking: Even with the overall decline in smoking across the nation, it’s still an unquestionable fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration announced that 7,800 residential fires were a result of smoking in 2021. Dozing off with a cigarette still burning or disposing of smoldering ashes carelessly can bring about destructive results.

The best way to prevent house fires in Lexington is to steer clear of negligent behavior. Always pay attention when cooking, never leave a candle unattended, and properly dispose of cigarettes. If you must run a space heater, do so sparingly and invest in one that has an automatic shut-off feature in case it is knocked over.

Protect your family with a monitored fire alarm in Lexington

You need to have smoke detectors on all floors and consider using more by sleeping areas. But you can take your home’s safety a step further with a monitored fire alarm. These modern safety devices will not only recognize smoke but can also be triggered due to elevated heat levels. Furthermore, because they integrate into your modern smart home, they’ll notify you and your monitoring specialists whenever a crisis strikes. This is a notable perk, especially when you’re not there to hear the alarm and contact the fire department.

Defend against common dangers with a Vivint smart home in Lexington

Upgrade the protection of your residence today with a Vivint smart home. You can custom design our systems with monitored fire alarms, water sensors, and carbon monoxide detectors. You’ll appreciate the instant updates to your smartphone and the peace of mind that you enjoy with professional monitoring. Place a call to (859) 203-1366 to get started.