Everyday, we use appliances to make our lives more convenient. On the other hand, these things may also pose risks if we don’t use them properly. A certain brand of pop-up toaster called “Hamilton Beach” is being recalled by the US FDA because of reported fire hazard cases testified by users. In most cases, the toaster doesn’t pop-up, instead, it overheats. And when it is left unnoticed for a long time, it can possibly cause fire.
In the US alone, the National Fire Incident Reporting System shows that annually, residential appliance fires result to an estimated:
- 9,600 fires
- 25 deaths
- 525 injuries
- $211 million in property loss
But good thing you can prevent these incidents from happening. These are ways to safeguard your own home against appliance fires:
- Never force a three-prong cord into a two-slot outlet.
- Immediately fix appliances or lamps that sputter or spark.
- Keep appliances away from wet areas, especially in the kitchen, bathroom, basement, and garage
- If an appliance has a three-prong plug, never force it into a two-prong outlet or extension cord.
- Use extension cords wisely and don’t overload them.Regularly check your extension cords to make sure the plastic is not worn away or coming apart at the ends.
- Never use an extension cord as permanent wiring.Instead of a simple extension cord, get a laboratory-tested extension cord with built-in circuit breakers.
- Check your wiring on a regular basis. Look for outlets that don’t work, light switches that are hot to the touch, and lights that flicker. This could mean something is wrong and should be checked by electricians perth.
- Keep clothes, curtains, and other potentially combustible items at least three feet from all heaters.
Source: U.S. Fire Administration Website
