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

September 25, 2023
Man surprised by smoke pouring out of oven

When you own a home, there are a wide range of risks to think about. Fire is chief among them, as it can occur in various places and anytime. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated a stunning $8.9 billion in property damage throughout the United States as a result of residential fires in 2021. That same year, there were over 350,000 recorded incidents. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to keep them from arising|. Investigate the causes and how to prevent house fires in Lincoln.

What starts residential fires in Lincoln?

Fires can start anywhere and without warning, whether caused by a burning cigarette in a trash can or an unattended stovetop. Here are the leading causes of residential fires.

  • Cooking: Kitchen flare-ups are the most common kinds of residential fires in Lincoln and all other areas. Neglected stovetops are the chief culprit, so always keep an eye on that scorching skillet when cooking. It’s also important to note that throwing water on a grease fire will only worsen the situation.
  • Heating: Area heaters are well established as a cause of residential fires. Operating them for too long may result in inner elements wearing down and sparking. Damaged cords and putting heaters near flammable items like bedding or curtains can also lead to disastrous results. Other heating elements, such as HVAC systems and fireplaces, may cause fires and ought to be examined frequently.
  • Electrical: Worn out wiring, malfunctioning outlets, and overloaded extension cords are some ways electrical issues result in fires. Whenever you detect burning smells, sparking, or flickering lights, get it investigated right away.
  • Candles: Wherever there's a flame, there's the possibility of fire. Residential fires caused by candles are still frequently reported and often result from carelessness. Burning candles next to combustible materials like drapery or keeping them within the domain of a rambunctious pet 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 approximated that 7,800 residential fires were a result of smoking in 2021. Dozing off with a cigarette still burning or discarding smoldering ashes carelessly can bring about destructive results.

The most effective way to prevent house fires in Lincoln is to be attentive at all times. Always pay attention when cooking, don’t ever leave a candle burning, and properly get rid of cigarettes. If you must run a space heater, do so in short intervals and invest in one that includes an automatic shut-off safety precaution in case it is knocked over.

Get help quickly with a monitored fire alarm in Lincoln

You ought to have smoke detectors on each floor and think about installing more next to sleeping quarters. But you can take your protection to another level with a monitored fire alarm. These beneficial safety features will not only detect smoke but can also be tripped due to extreme heat. Additionally, since they incorporate into your modern smart home, they’ll alert you and your monitoring representatives whenever a disaster takes place. This is a worthwhile feature, particularly when you’re not around to hear the alarm and call the fire department yourself.

Defend against known dangers with a Vivint smart home in Lincoln

Enhance the safety of your household today with a Vivint smart home. You may customize our systems with monitored fire alarms, water sensors, and carbon monoxide detectors. You’ll be appreciative of the instant alerts to your cell phone and the 24-hour support that comes with professional monitoring. Dial (402) 545-5763 to speak with a skilled Vivint professional.