We rely on appliances at home every day, however, this reliance can sometimes be too much of a good thing. House fires, floods, and electrical injuries can occur if we do not take precautions. When we’re careful, we have nothing to fear—but nevertheless, the dangers mentioned here are important to keep in mind. Keep reading for a list of these dangerous household appliances to be aware of.
Stovetops and Ovens
Stoves and ovens are the most notorious for causing home accidents. Out of all the home appliances, stoves and ovens are the number one cause of house fires, though they can also cause other accidents and injuries. You or someone in your household may accidentally leave a gas burner on, which can disperse dangerous fumes throughout your home. In this case, avoid all electrical appliances and switches and distance your family from the house immediately.
Clothes Dryers
Another common house fire offender is the clothes dryer. If you have a dryer in your home, be aware of the main dryer fire prevention tips, such as removing the lint from the lint trap after every use. It may seem like a repetitive and unnecessary task, but lint buildup in your dryer can easily cause a fire to break out. Lint is extremely flammable, and a surplus of lint creates ideal conditions for your dryer to overheat and cause a fire. For these reasons, never leave your dryer unattended or run it overnight.
Toasters and Toaster Ovens
Toasters or toaster ovens pose a risk of fires and electrocution. Unattended toasters are common fire hazards, especially around children. Never leave a toaster within reach of your child. Additionally, never stick objects into your toaster to retrieve food, since you risk touching the internal wiring and electrocuting yourself or causing an electrical fire. If you need to retrieve something from inside the toaster, always unplug it first and allow it to cool. Additionally, unplug it if you won’t use it for a long time.
Dishwashers and Washing Machines
Washing machines and dishwashers with faulty plumbing connections can cause fire damage, floods, and water damage. This is dangerous to your house and to your family, as water damage can cause structural damage and mold growth. It’s best to avoid leaving your washing machine unattended, especially if your model is getting old.
These are some of the dangerous household appliances to be aware of. In order to make sure all your appliances are running safely, add regular appliance inspections to your homeowner’s maintenance list. We rely on these appliances every day, so keeping them in good maintenance and using them safely is key to avoiding accidents. If you keep them in good condition and inspect them regularly, you won’t have anything to worry about and your home will stay safe and sound.
Van Rundell is a writer and author who specializes in transportation, travel, guidance, health & fitness. With over 10 years of experience in the industry as a driver and an entrepreneur, he has seen it all. His tone is professional but friendly with a dash of humor thrown in for good measure. In past, he has been advising, educating and writing about transport for the public and professionals alike.
A qualified fitness instructor with over 5 years’ experience as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor, Van brings his deep knowledge of health and exercise science to his articles on health & fitness.
