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

When you own a home, there are many hazards to think about. Fire is foremost among them, as it can arise anywhere and at any time. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated a stunning $8.9 billion in property damage in the United States due to residential fires in 2021. In the same year, there were over 350,000 documented incidents. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to avoid them. Learn more about the causes and how to prevent house fires in Lansing.

What starts residential fires in Lansing?

Fires can start in any location and without notice, whether sparked by a smoldering cigarette in a garbage can or a neglected stovetop. Here are the top causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Flare-ups in the kitchen are the most widespread kinds of residential fires in Lansing and everywhere else. Ignored stovetops are the chief cause, so always watch that hot skillet when making dinner. It’s also important to note that putting water on a grease fire will only make matters worse.
• Heating: Space heaters are well established as a cause of residential fires. Using them for long time periods may result in inner elements breaking down and sparking. Damaged cords and placing heaters by combustible materials like bedding or window coverings will also lead to disastrous results. Other types of heating, such as furnaces and fireplaces, might cause fires and ought to be checked frequently.
• Electrical: Worn out wiring, malfunctioning outlets, and overburdened extension cords are some ways electrical problems lead to fires. Never run an appliance with a damaged cord, and make sure combustible objects like paper aren’t put on top of a lampshade, get it checked out promptly.
• Candles: Wherever there's a flame, there's the potential for fire. Residential fires from candles are still frequently reported and often result from careless behavior. Placing candles next to flammable objects like drapes or leaving them within the reach of a curious pet will lead to disaster.
• Smoking: Even with the overall decrease 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. Falling asleep with a cigarette still burning or throwing out smoldering ashes too soon can cause catastrophic results.

The primary way to prevent house fires in Lansing is to be careful at all times. Always watch closely when cooking, don’t ever leave a candle burning unattended, and properly discard cigarettes. If you need to run a space heater, do so in short intervals and get one that has an automatic shut-off switch in the event it is knocked over.

Get help quickly with a monitored fire alarm in Lansing

You ought to have smoke detectors on each floor and more next to bedrooms. But you can take your home’s safety to another level with a monitored fire alarm. These innovative safety features will not only detect 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 representatives whenever an emergency strikes. This is a notable feature, particularly when you’re not home to hear the alarm and phone the fire department yourself.

Defend against various dangers with a Vivint smart home in Lansing

Enhance the safety of your household today with a Vivint smart home. You can custom design our systems with monitored fire alarms, CO detectors, and flood sensors. You’ll appreciate the instant updates to your smartphone and the 24-hour support that you enjoy with professional monitoring. Contact (517) 760-8950 to talk with a Vivint representative.