Pretty much every modern American home has a number of electrical appliances inside to ease everyday tasks, such as cooking, lighting, and heating. What most people don’t know, however, is that these electrical products can pose a fire hazard if there is a defect or if they do not receive proper care. Every year, appliances cause 24,300 fires in the United States, and 100 people are killed by these incidences. On top of that, 925 people are injured by these blazes, as well. The numbers seem alarmingly high when one considers the usability and apparent safety of these tools.
There are several measures the average appliance owner can taken in order to prevent these potentially hazardous and sometimes fatal events from occurring:
- Any appliance that is supplied with electricity has a constant source of heat and energy. If the casing to these products or the insulation around their power cords seems to be breaking down, unplug the appliance immediately.
- Never stick a three-pronged plug into a two-prong socket.
- If an appliance is sparking, remove it from the power source immediately and seek repairs.
- Never let plugged-in appliances near water.
- Do not overload any socket. Drawing too much current from the source has the high potential of beginning a fire.
- Inspect extension cords, power cords, and your home wiring on a routine basis.
- Keep a smoke detector in every room to alert you and your family of fires that may be starting.
Contact Us
Appliance fires are more common that people typically think. Often times, they can result from faulty or defective products. If you or someone you know has been the victim of a household appliance fire, please contact the Minneapolis burn injury lawyers of Terry, Slane & Ruohonen, P.L.L.C. at 612-362-0000 to see how we can help you.
