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

When you own a home, there are numerous hazards to consider. Fire is foremost among them, as it can happen anywhere 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. Also during this year, there were over 350,000 recorded fires. Luckily, there are steps you can take to keep them from taking place|. Take a look at the causes and how to prevent house fires in Omaha.

What sparks residential fires in Omaha?

Fires can sprout up in any spot and without warning, whether ignited by a smoldering cigarette in a garbage can or an unattended stovetop. Here are the most common causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Flare-ups in the kitchen are the most frequent types of residential fires in Omaha and everywhere else. Ignored stovetops are the main cause, so always keep an eye on that smoking 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 well established as a cause of residential fires. Running them for lengthy time periods might cause internal pieces to degrade and spark. Situating heaters next to flammable textiles like bedding and drapes or using frayed cords will also lead to disastrous results. Other heating devices, such as fireplaces and furnaces, might cause fires and should be inspected frequently.
• Electrical: Old wiring, defective outlets, and overburdened extension cords are some ways electrical problems result in fires. Never run an appliance with a frayed cord, and make certain ignitable substances like paper aren’t placed on a lampshade, get it inspected promptly.
• Candles: Whenever there's a flame, there's the possibility of fire. Residential fires due to candles are still frequently reported and usually result from people being careless. Placing them within an area reachable by pets or too close to flammable materials will often result in disaster.
• Smoking: Even with the overall decrease in smoking nationwide, it’s still an unquestionable fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated that 7,800 residential fires were started by smoking in 2021. Dozing off while holding a cigarette or disposing of smoldering ashes too soon can bring about catastrophic results.

The primary way to prevent house fires in Omaha is to be careful at all times. Always pay attention when cooking, don’t leave a candle burning unattended, and properly get rid of cigarettes. If you have to run a space heater, do so in short intervals and get one that offers an automatic shut-off switch in case it tips over.

Protect your family with a monitored fire alarm in Omaha

You ought to have smoke detectors on all floors and more by bedrooms. But you can take your home’s safety a step further with a monitored fire alarm. These innovative safety features will not only recognize smoke but can also trigger due to extreme heat. Furthermore, considering they are part of your modern smart home, they’ll alert you and your monitoring professionals whenever a crisis occurs. This is a worthwhile perk, especially when you’re not there to hear the alarm and phone the fire department yourself.

Safeguard your home against common risks with a Vivint smart home in Omaha

Enhance the protection of your household today with a Vivint smart home. You may custom design our systems with monitored fire alarms, CO detectors, and flood sensors. You’ll be thankful for the instant alerts to your mobile device and the peace of mind that you enjoy with professional monitoring. Place a call to (402) 925-9471 to get started.