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August 02, 2021

What Causes House Fires In Waco And Ways To Avoid Them

When you own a home, one of the biggest dangers to your house and family is the potential for a fire. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated in 2019 that American homeowners underwent nearly $1.6 billion in damages as the result of accidental or negligent fires. Sadly, fires are sudden and are often preventable -- if you know where to act. And hopefully you are ready with a monitored fire alarm that sends you aid immediately should you experience an outbreak.

What Causes House Fires In Waco?

Fires can happen in any spot at any time in the home. However, you can lower the danger of a blaze by taking precautions around the following objects:

  • Stoves and Ovens: Cooking is overwhelmingly the number 1 cause of a house fire in Waco. Cooking-related blazes typically begin when the kitchen goes ignored during meal preparation. Water thrown on a grease fire can quickly spread a flame that would alternatively be contained.

  • Candles: Nodding off in a room with a burning candle is risky, even if you’re using a high-sided candle holder. The flame can blow and catch a curtain on fire if left on a window sill, and a dog or cat can topple candlesticks in their playing. The National Fire Protection Association estimates that greater than 7,600 homes were damaged due to candle-related fires between 2014-2018.

  • Electrical wires: Old electrical circuit interrupters, “tamper-resistant” electrical outlets, degrading or improperly installed lighting, and cut lamp cords can all cause a fire. Don't overwhelm your outlets or plug an item in with uncovered electrical components. If for any reason you hear popping or detect smoke from the outlet, turn the breaker off prior to checking it out.
  • Space Heaters: Avoid coiled space heaters because junk, like dust bunnies, old papers, or bed sheets can accidentally make contact and spark up. However, you need to make sure to oversee fan and ceramic space heaters at all times when in operation.
  • Cigarettes: Just in 2014, U.S. fire departments came to more than 17,000 home fires triggered by cigarettes, cigars, and pipes. So if you have a smoker in the house, ensure they never fall asleep with a cigarette or smoke in bed. And fully put out your tobacco items prior to placing it into a garbage can.

A Monitored Smoke Detector Can Help When There’s A Fire

If a fire happens to start, you have to have an effective detection system to alert your loved ones before it gets serious. An ordinary smoke alarm could suffice but is limited to alerting you if smoke is abundant. A state-of-the-art fire alarm -- a security device that's pair with your home security system -- is powerful enough to discover both smoke and rising temperatures and can do more to ensure everyone is safe.

A monitored fire alarm has several methods by which it can inform you of rising heat. Your alarms can inform you with an ear-piercing tone and an alert to your mobile device. That’s when your ever-vigilant monitoring experts will contact the fire department. And should you be somewhere where you’re unable to race home when a fire blazes, you can have peace of mind that your monitoring agent will facilitate communication between you and emergency personnel.

Protect Your Home With Monitored Fire Alarms From Secure24 Alarm Systems

The odds of house fires in Waco should never be underestimated, but you can rest easier if you use a monitored fire alarm on the premises. Contact Secure24 Alarm Systems, and we’ll help you install all the smoke detectors you need with a comprehensive home security system. Call (254) 236-5604 or submit the form below to begin.