Appliances; The Unexpected Fire Hazard

3/19/2024 (Permalink)

Even the most unsuspecting appliance like a computer can cause fire damage in your Cape Cod home.

When thinking of home fire hazards, one might imagine an oven, a furnace, a fireplace, etc. But what about the dishwasher, refrigerator, or even your television? Our Team at SERVPRO of Mid-Outer Cape has seen fire damage caused by many different unsuspecting electronics. Here are a few tips on how to make sure your home appliances are fireproofed:

• Check your power outlets: make sure power outlets aren't drawing too much power. Don't plug several high-current appliances into the same outlet.
• Keep your cords safe: make sure power cords aren't damaged, under furniture, under rugs or excessively tangled with other power cords.
• Use factory recommended chargers and cables: Many third-party phone cables and chargers are prone to overheating and even catching on fire. Check the power needs of your appliances and see if the charging cables you're using operate at the same voltage.
• Keep an eye on heat generating appliances: While its common knowledge to watch over items cooking in the kitchen and space heaters, be sure computers, game consoles and other appliances that give off heat have enough room to properly cool down.
• Make sure your appliances are properly maintained and up to date.
• Unplug small appliances when not in use.

Even when practicing fire safety properly, be sure to have an exit plan in case of a house fire. Create a designated meeting area for leaving the building and at least two points of exit for every room. If you fall victim to fire damage, call SERVPRO of Mid-Outer Cape Cod at 508-778-7378, we are here to help!