Household appliances are designed to make our lives easier, but any appliance that uses gas or electricity has some inherent fire safety risks. It’s vital to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using any household appliance. Follow these safety tips to prevent fire and smoke damage in Springfield Missouri that can be caused by our home appliances.
General Safety Tips for Electrical Appliances
When using any electrical appliance, keep it far from wet areas. Anything that is potentially flammable should be kept away from appliances that produce heat. If anything produces a spark or causes a shock while running, it needs to be repaired.
Do not force a three-prong plug into a two-prong outlet, run cords under carpeting, or use any appliance with a damaged cable. Only plug one appliance into an outlet at a time and unplug small appliances if they aren’t in use.
Safety Tips For The Clothes Dryer
The most important thing to remember is to use a lint filter for the dryer and clean it after every use. Make sure the vents go directly outside and clean the vent pipes at least once per year. If you notice that your clothes are starting to take longer to dry, check for a buildup of lint and clean it.
Safety Tips For Ovens and Stovetop Ranges
Cooking fires are among the most common types of house fires, causing around 49 percent of all residential fires. Always clean off grease and other debris before using the burners or oven.
Do not leave any flammable or combustible items near the stove or range, and make sure the food is supervised when you’re cooking. Keep your sleeves rolled up and long hair tied back to help prevent burns and check for the smell of gas before using a gas range or oven.
Safety Tips For The Dishwasher
Do not leave a dishwasher unattended. Avoid using extension cords, and make sure the outlet used is grounded. The components that release the detergent can let water reach internal wires if they are damaged, so check them before each use.
Safety Tips For Electric Heaters
Electric heaters are common fire hazards. Make sure all flammable materials are at least three feet away from the heater and place the heaters on a stable surface. It’s preferable to place them on the floor so they cannot be knocked over. Always unplug electric heaters when not in use.
Safety Tips For The Microwave
Avoid using anything not labeled as microwave-safe in a microwave and keep it cleaned from food or grease. Do not place any metal or aluminum foil in the microwave.
Fire Safety in Homes
Make sure your home has a fire protection system. Have smoke detectors installed in every room and check the batteries monthly to make sure they work properly. If they are more than ten years old, replace them.
Keep fire extinguishers on hand and close to areas that are more prone to fires, such as the kitchen. Learn how to use it ahead of time before trying to use it on an actual fire. Make sure all flammable substances are kept outside of the home and check electrical cords for appliances regularly to look for damage.
Plan an Escape Route
Plan an escape route from the home and practice the route with your family in case a fire does occur. Remember to stay low. Keep pet leashes or carriers handy in case you need to leave in a hurry, and make sure you know how to get out fast.
Using appliances properly can help reduce the chance for fire and smoke damage in your home. If you do ever need help with fire and smoke damage restoration, call the professionals at PuroClean Certified Restoration to do the job right.