Common causes of residential fires in Baton Rouge and how to avoid them

There are many dangers you have to think about as a homeowner. Fire is foremost among them, as it can happen anywhere 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. That same year, there were in excess of 350,000 recorded occurrences. Luckily, there are steps you can take to avoid them. Take a look at the causes and how to prevent house fires in Baton Rouge.

What sparks residential fires in Baton Rouge?

Fires can sprout up anywhere and without notice, whether sparked by a burning cigarette in a trash can or an unattended stovetop. Here are the top causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Flare-ups in the kitchen are the most common types of residential fires in Baton Rouge and elsewhere. Ignored stovetops are the main source, so always keep an eye on that scorching skillet when making dinner. It’s also worth nothing that dumping water on a grease fire will only worsen the situation.
• Heating: Portable heaters are a well-known cause of residential fires. Operating them for extended time periods can cause inner components to break down and ignite. Damaged cords and putting heaters next to combustible materials like bedding or window coverings will also lead to disastrous results. Other types of heating, such as furnaces and fireplaces, may cause fires and need to be inspected regularly.
• Electrical: Old wiring, faulty outlets, and overwhelmed extension cords are several of the ways electrical issues cause fires. Whenever you detect flickering lights, sparking from an outlet, or odd odors, get it inspected promptly.
• Candles: Wherever there's a flame, there's the possibility of fire. Residential fires from candles are still frequently reported and usually result from carelessness. Putting them within an area reachable by pets or near combustible materials will lead to disaster.
• Smoking: Even with the overall reduction in smoking nationwide, 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 while holding a cigarette or discarding smoldering ashes carelessly can bring about catastrophic results.

The most effective way to prevent house fires in Baton Rouge is to steer clear of negligent behavior. Always keep an eye on things when cooking, never leave a candle burning unattended, and get rid of cigarettes properly. If you need to use a space heater, do so sparingly and invest in one that includes an automatic shut-off switch in the event it tips over.

Safeguard your home with a monitored fire alarm in Baton Rouge

You ought to have smoke detectors on every floor and think about installing more by bedrooms. But you can take your home’s safety to a new level with a monitored fire alarm. These beneficial safety features 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 warn you and your monitoring professionals whenever an emergency takes place. This is a worthwhile perk, specifically when you’re not home to hear the alarm and call the fire department yourself.

Protect against known risks with a Vivint smart home in Baton Rouge

Elevate the safety of your household today with a Vivint smart home. You may personalize our systems with monitored fire alarms, CO detectors, and flood sensors. You’ll appreciate the instant updates to your smartphone and the peace of mind that you get with professional monitoring. Contact (225) 725-8055 to talk with a Vivint representative.