Leading causes of residential fires in Joplin and how to avoid them

When you own a home, there are a wide range of risks to think about. Fire is foremost among them, as it can occur in any place and anytime. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated an astounding $8.9 billion in property damage in the United States due to residential fires in 2021. In the same year, there were more than 350,000 noted fires. Thankfully, there are things you can do to keep them from happening|. Investigate the causes and how to prevent house fires in Joplin.

What causes residential fires in Joplin?

Fires can sprout up in any spot and without notice, whether caused by a burning cigarette in a waste container or a neglected stovetop. Here are the leading causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Kitchen flare-ups are the most common sorts of residential fires in Joplin and elsewhere. Neglected stovetops are the chief origin, so always keep an eye on that smoking skillet when cooking. It’s also worth nothing that dumping water on a grease fire will only worsen the situation.
• Heating: Space heaters are well established as a cause of residential fires. Running them for long periods might result in inner elements wearing down and sparking. Worn cords and situating heaters next to flammable objects like bedding or window coverings can also lead to disaster. Other heating devices, such as furnaces and fireplaces, might cause fires and should be checked periodically.
• Electrical: Old wiring, defective outlets, and overburdened extension cords are some ways electrical issues result in fires. Never operate an appliance with a damaged cord, and make sure ignitable substances like paper aren’t layed on top of a lampshade, get it inspected immediately.
• Candles: Whenever there's a flame, there's the potential for fire. Residential fires caused by candles are still frequently reported and often result from careless behavior. Burning candles too close to ignitable materials like curtains or having them within the reach of an inquisitive pet will lead to disaster.
• Smoking: Even with the overall decrease in smoking nationwide, it’s still an undeniable fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration announced that 7,800 residential fires were caused by smoking in 2021. Falling asleep while holding a cigarette or prematurely disposing of smoldering ashes can give rise to catastrophic results.

The most effective way to prevent house fires in Joplin is to be careful at all times. Always watch closely when cooking, don’t leave a candle unattended, and dispose of cigarettes properly. If you have to run a space heater, do so in short intervals and use one that offers an automatic shut-off safety precaution in case it overturns.

Safeguard your home with a monitored fire alarm in Joplin

You ought to have smoke detectors on all floors and consider using more near sleeping quarters. But you can take your safety a step further with a monitored fire alarm. These innovative safety components will not only recognize smoke but can also trigger due to elevated heat levels. Additionally, because they incorporate into your modern smart home, they’ll warn you and your monitoring professionals whenever a disaster strikes. This is a worthwhile feature, especially when you’re not home to hear the alarm and contact the fire department yourself.

Protect against known dangers with a Vivint smart home in Joplin

Enhance the safety of your household today with a Vivint smart home. You can personalize our systems with monitored fire alarms, water sensors, and carbon monoxide detectors. You’ll appreciate the instant alerts to your cell phone and the 24-hour support that comes with professional monitoring. Contact (417) 557-3490 to talk with a Vivint representative.