Common causes of residential fires in Shreveport and how to prevent them

When you own a home, there are a wide range of threats to consider. Fire is chief among them, as it can arise in various places and anytime. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated an incredible $8.9 billion in property damage across the United States due to residential fires in 2021. That same year, there were in excess of 350,000 documented occurrences. Thankfully, there are things you can do to prevent them. Learn more about the causes and how to prevent house fires in Shreveport.

What starts residential fires in Shreveport?

Fires can begin in any spot and without notice, whether ignited by a discarded cigarette in a trash can or an unattended stovetop. Here are the top causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Kitchen flare-ups are the most common types of residential fires in Shreveport and everywhere else. Neglected stovetops are the chief source, so always watch that scorching skillet when cooking. It’s also essential to note that soaking a grease fire with water will only make things worse.
• Heating: Area heaters are well established as a cause of residential fires. Operating them for extended amounts of time can result in inner parts breaking down and igniting. Placing heaters near combustible materials like bedding and curtains or using damaged cords may also lead to disaster. Other types of heating, such as HVAC systems and fireplaces, could cause fires and should be examined regularly.
• Electrical: Worn out wiring, defective outlets, and overwhelmed extension cords are some ways electrical complications result in fires. Don’t ever use an appliance with a tattered cord, and make sure combustible objects like paper aren’t put on top of a lampshade, get it investigated promptly.
• Candles: If there's a flame, there's the possibility of fire. Residential fires due to candles are still all too common and usually result from people being careless. Putting them within reach of pets or next to flammable objects will lead to disaster.
• Smoking: Even with the overall decline in smoking across the country, it’s still an undeniable fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated that 7,800 residential fires were a result of smoking in 2021. Nodding off while holding a cigarette or disposing of smoldering ashes too soon can give rise to devastating results.

The best way to prevent house fires in Shreveport is to be attentive at all times. Always keep an eye on things when cooking, don’t ever leave a candle burning unattended, and dispose of cigarettes properly. If you need to use a space heater, do so sparingly and use one that offers an automatic shut-off feature in case it tips over.

Protect your family with a monitored fire alarm in Shreveport

You should have smoke detectors on every floor and consider using more by bedrooms. But you can take your protection to a new level with a monitored fire alarm. These innovative safety features will not only detect smoke but can also be triggered due to extreme heat. Furthermore, considering they incorporate into your modern smart home, they’ll alert you and your monitoring specialists whenever an emergency occurs. This is a notable benefit, particularly when you’re not there to hear the alarm and call the fire department.

Protect against common threats with a Vivint smart home in Shreveport

Enhance the protection of your residence today with a Vivint smart home. You may custom design our systems with monitored fire alarms, CO detectors, and flood sensors. You’ll be appreciative of the instant alerts to your mobile device and the 24-hour support that you get with professional monitoring. Dial (318) 612-1329 to speak with a skilled Vivint professional.