When it comes to home security, we’re often on the alert for outside threats such as burglars. We batten down the hatches, reinforcing our doors and installing high-quality deadbolts in addition to security alarms and lights to alert us if anything is amiss. What we often ignore, however, is the hidden dangers of home appliances.
While it’s good to be protected from those who may do harm to our property or family, it’s also important to have a comprehensive security system that covers the threats that lie within.
The Hidden Dangers of Home Appliances: Deadly Fires
One of the most concerning dangers that homeowners face is the threat of a house fire. According to the National Fire Prevention Association, there were 365,500 house fires in the U.S. in 2015, causing the deaths of 2,650 people. These fire numbers reveal one of the hidden dangers of home appliances.
How many of these devastating fires were likely caused by appliances? In a study conducted from 2006 through 2008, the Consumer Product Safety Commission determined that major appliances cause more than 150,000 residential fires every year.
Which appliances are common culprits? Kitchen stoves, air conditioners, refrigerators, and dishwashers are frequently cited as sources of house fires. These devices often cause fires due to misuse, damage, as well as design, mechanical, or electrical problems.
Those aren’t the only devices that can cause an inferno, however. Here are other appliances that can be problematic:
Space Heaters
Although space heaters are handy little devices for keeping your home warm in the winter, they’re also a common fire hazard. Because they’re easily portable, they’re also easy to knock over or to accidentally cover with flammable items like curtains or a blanket. If a space heater is left unattended or pushed too close to a piece of furniture like a couch, flames can quickly erupt.
Gas Appliances
Another of the hidden dangers of home appliances is natural gas. If an appliance like a stove or dryer has a leak or if a source of gas is accidentally left on, one small spark can cause an explosion.
Clothes Dryers
Clothes dryers are another primary cause of house fires, typically due to lint buildup. This is why it’s not only important to remember to change out your lint trap frequently; it’s also important to have proper venting both inside and outside the house to prevent this highly flammable material from collecting and heating up.
Small Appliances
From electric mixers to irons, a variety of small appliances can pose a threat if not maintained or if used improperly. One common issue? Frayed plugs. Many people mistakenly believe that if a device still works, it’s safe to keep using it. Frayed electric plugs not only pose a huge fire risk — they can also cause electrical shock or electrocution.
In other instances, appliances are left unattended, used in close proximity to water, or people use too many devices at once, overloading the home’s circuit breakers.
Other Hidden Home Dangers
An item doesn’t need to be plugged in or even pose a fire risk to be dangerous, however. Every year, small children and pets face hazards from window blinds, electric cords, outlets, bathtubs, swimming pools, as well as dangerous medicine and household cleaners. Guns being stored in the home also pose a unique risk.
Lessen the Risk with a Comprehensive Home Security System
While a home security system can’t eliminate the risk of fire, electric shock, or other accidents around the home, it can lessen the danger and increase the chances of everyone getting out unharmed should an emergency arise.
What components of a home security system are most helpful at mitigating common household hazards?
- Monitored smoke/carbon monoxide detectors that provide an audible alert and send help if a fire or dangerous gases are detected, lessening one of the major hidden risks of home appliances.
- Home security cameras that allow you to check on the various rooms of your home from anywhere via your mobile device.
- Automated locks on things such as medicine cabinets and gun safes that only provide access to certain people and send an alert whenever the lock is engaged/disengaged.
There are plenty of risks outside of your home. A home security system provides greater peace of mind when your family is safe inside.
At ProTech Security, we have a strong history of experience, innovation, and customer service. The ProTech Security Advantage is more than 30 years of service in Northeast Ohio and a strong commitment to providing quality, cost-effective protection for homes, businesses, educational institutions and government facilities. To see what ProTech Security can do for you, contact us today.
