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Common causes of residential fires in Tulsa and how to avoid them

September 25, 2023
Man surprised by smoke pouring out of oven

There are many hazards you need to keep in mind as a property owner. Fire is at the top of the list, as it can happen anywhere and at any moment. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated a stunning $8.9 billion in property damage across the United States due to residential fires in 2021. In the same year, there were more than 350,000 recorded occurrences. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to avoid them. Investigate the causes and how to prevent house fires in Tulsa.

What causes residential fires in Tulsa?

Fires can start in any spot and without warning, whether ignited by a smoldering cigarette in a trash can or an ignored stovetop. Here are the leading causes of residential fires.

  • Cooking: Flare-ups in the kitchen are the most widespread types of residential fires in Tulsa and elsewhere. Neglected stovetops are the main source, so always watch that smoking skillet when making a meal. It’s also important to note that dumping water on a grease fire will only make matters worse.
  • Heating: Space heaters are well known for causing residential fires. Using them for too long might result in inner elements degrading and catching fire. Placing heaters by combustible fabrics like blankets and curtains or using worn cords can also lead to disastrous results. Other types of heating, such as furnaces and fireplaces, could cause fires and ought to be inspected regularly.
  • Electrical: Old wiring, faulty outlets, and overwhelmed extension cords are a few of the ways electrical problems result in fires. If you discern flickering lights, sparking from an outlet, or odd odors, get it inspected immediately.
  • Candles: Wherever there's a flame, there's the possibility of fire. Residential fires from candles are still all too common and often result from carelessness. Putting them within reach of pets or next to ignitable items will often result in disaster.
  • Smoking: In spite of the overall decline in smoking across the nation, it’s still a primary fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated that 7,800 residential fires were started by smoking in 2021. Dozing off with a cigarette in hand or prematurely throwing out smoldering ashes can give rise to destructive results.

The best way to prevent house fires in Tulsa is to be careful at all times. Always keep an eye on things when cooking, never leave a candle burning unattended, and discard cigarettes properly. If you need to use a space heater, do so infrequently and get one that has an automatic shut-off safety precaution in the event it overturns.

Get help quickly with a monitored fire alarm in Tulsa

You ought to have smoke detectors on each floor and think about installing more near bedrooms. But you can take your protection to a new level with a monitored fire alarm. These modern safety devices will not only detect smoke but can also trigger due to extreme heat. In addition, since they are part of your modern smart home, they’ll notify you and your monitoring specialists whenever a disaster strikes. This is a worthwhile feature, specifically when you’re not home to hear the alarm and phone the fire department.

Defend against common dangers with a Vivint smart home in Tulsa

Upgrade the safety of your household today with a Vivint smart home. You can personalize our systems with monitored fire alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and water sensors. You’ll be appreciative of the instant updates to your smartphone and the reassurance that comes with professional monitoring. Dial (918) 731-3376 to talk with a Vivint representative.