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August 02, 2021

What Causes House Fires In West Lafayette And How To Avert Them

When you’re a homeowner, one of the most menacing threats to your home and family members is the risk of fire. The U.S. Fire Administration projected in 2019 that American homeowners underwent about $1.6 billion in damages by means of accidental or unattended fires. Sadly, fires are unexpected and many times preventable -- if you know where to look. And hopefully you are ready with a monitored fire alarm that sends you aid immediately should you ever have an incident.

What Causes House Fires In West Lafayette?

Fires may start anywhere without notice in the house. However, you may reduce the threat of fire by taking countermeasures around the following items:

  • Stoves and Ovens: Cooking is overwhelmingly the number 1 cause of a house fire in West Lafayette. Cooking-related fires typically start when the kitchen goes unattended while cooking food. Water used on a grease fire can quickly spread a flame that would otherwise be easily handled.

  • Candles: Going to sleep in a space with a lit candle is dangerous, even when you use a deep candle holder. The flame can easily catch a curtain on fire if left on a window sill, and animals can knock candles over. The National Fire Protection Association projects that greater than 7,600 houses were damaged because of candle-related fires between 2014-2018.

  • Electrical wires: Corroded electrical circuit interrupters, “tamper-resistant” electrical outlets, aging or improperly set up lighting, and split lamp cords are all prone to sparks. Don't overload your outlets or plug any object in with bare electrical components. If for any reason you hear a pop or catch a whiff of smoke from the outlet, flip the breaker off prior to your investigation.
  • Space Heaters: Skip over coiled space heaters because debris, like pet fur, paper, or bed sheets can accidentally make contact and catch fire. However, you need to make sure to monitor fan and ceramic space heaters whenever the device is in usage.
  • Cigarettes: Just in 2014, U.S. fire departments responded to more than 17,000 house fires started by cigarettes, cigars, and pipes. If you enjoy tobacco in the house, ensure they never take a nap with a cigarette or smoke in bed. And fully put out your cigarette prior to placing it into a trash can.

A Monitored Smoke Detector Does Help When It Senses A Fire

If a fire should spark, you have to have an effective warning system to inform your spouse and children before it gets serious. A common smoke alarm is adequate but is only able to alert you if smoke is abundant. A state-of-the-art fire alarm -- a piece of equipment that's pair with your home security system -- is able to sense both smoke and excess heat and is better equipped to ensure everyone’s safety.

A monitored fire alarm has many means it can alert you of a fire. Your alarms will notify your loved ones with a high-decibel tone and a message to your mobile device. That’s when your ever-vigilant monitoring experts reaches out to the fire department. And if you find yourself somewhere in which you can't speed you your house when a fire blazes, you can rest assured that your monitoring agent can help coordinate contact between you and emergency personnel.

Protect Your Home With Monitored Fire Alarms From Secure24 Alarm Systems

The odds of house fires in West Lafayette should never be discounted, but you can rest easier if you have a monitored fire alarm on the premises. Contact Secure24 Alarm Systems, and we’ll help you get all the safety alarms you need with a state-of-the-art home security system. Call (765) 221-3339 or fill out the form below to begin.