Appliances in Your Home that can have Hidden Danger
Appliances in Your Home that can have Hidden Danger (and How to Protect Yourself)
Every homeowner is worried about damage to their property and worse, possible dangers to their loved ones.
Many people consider break-ins and falling trees when they think about major threats to their homes, but in reality, other dangers are much more prevalent. Chief among seemingly harmless threats are the appliances installed in your home.
Dangers include electrical fires, electric shocks, flooding, gas leaks, among other problems.
Electrical fires are the most common (and most dangerous) threat. According to the National Fire Prevention Association, there were 365,000 house fires in the U.S. in 2015, resulting in the death of 2,650 people.
Further, a study conducted by the Consumer Product Safety Commission concluded that from 2006 to 2008 major appliances caused more than 150,000 residential fires each year.
The good news is there are ways to decrease the chance of danger from electric and gas appliances by taking preventative measures.
In this post, we will discuss the potential dangers in your home as well as how to lessen the chances of damage to your home and loved ones.
Handle with Care
These appliances are common culprits besides the usual suspects of air-conditioners, refrigerators, and stoves:
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Space Heaters
Space heaters are particularly dangerous because they are small and easily moved. Because they change location you might forget where you have placed them. Because of this, it is easy to mistakenly cover them with a blanket or place them against a piece of furniture. Never let a space heater touch cloth or upholstery and never leave a plugged-in space heater unattended.
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Gas appliances
It's not just stoves, (although they are the main offender) any gas-operated appliance can leak gas. After that, a small spark can cause an explosive fire. Gas leaks are also bad for people and animals' health. Sustained exposure to gas leaks can cause myriad health problems. Check your gas appliances regularly for leaks and take action immediately if you smell gas.
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Dryer
Dryers are one of the biggest reasons for house fires. Lint build-up or improper wiring can easily spark a fire, especially when near large amounts of cloth and dry powders. Clean your lint trap regularly and ensure the space is properly ventilated.
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Kitchen and Laundry Appliances
Air fryers, electrical mixers, irons, and other small appliances can all cause fires, burns, or electric shocks if they are left plugged in and unsupervised. Additionally, frayed wiring can cause sparks or transmit electricity to the skin. Unplug all appliances after use and ensure that there are no frayed wires.
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Nonelectrical appliances
Window blinds, unplugged electric cords, outlets, bathtubs, swimming pools, medicine, and household cleaners all pose risk to small children. If you have young kids or have toddlers make sure your house is child-proof. Cover sharp corners, pick up and long cords that could cause strangulation, and keep all dangerous medicine and chemicals out of reach of children.
Miscellaneous Threats
Aside from fires and gas leaks, there are other potential threats to your home.
Power surges as a result of leaving too many appliances plugged in can cause serious damage to your electrical wiring and cost thousands in repairs. Surge protectors can help, but it is better to unplug excessive appliances and only plug them in when you are using them.
Another threat is carbon monoxide poisoning. This clear, odorless gas is practically undetectable by humans, but prolonged exposure can be deadly. Carbon monoxide kills 500 people every year. The best way to prevent this is by installing a carbon monoxide detector. A cheap detector can send carbon monoxide particles into the air and alert you before they cause any serious problems.
Finally, a third threat is radon poisoning. Radon gas leaks into homes through cracks in a house’s foundation and can lead to serious health issues. Radon is the second highest cause of lung cancer. To prevent radon from leaking into the home, purchase a radon test kit and seal cracks in your home’s foundation.
A Safer Home for a Happy Family
Everyone wants to keep their family and home safe. But many people simply are not aware of the danger that everyday appliances pose.
The big dangers, like thieves and natural disasters, aren’t the only threats to your security. Smaller things can often amount to more danger. Make sure you are checking your appliances regularly for signs of wear or exposed wires.
If you want to make sure the home you are buying is as safe as can be, reach out to Management Plus. Only Management Plus takes all the steps towards making sure every home under their domain is safe and ready for living.