Remove the risk of fire: ensure this device is turned off at night

Preventing Household Appliance Fires: A Guide for Safe Living

Household appliances can pose a significant fire risk, especially when left connected overnight. Here's a guide to help you understand the risks and prevent accidents.

Kitchen Ovens, Dryers, and Washing Machines

Leaving kitchen ovens, clothes dryers, and washing machines on overnight significantly increases the chance of fire. Kitchen ovens are the highest-risk appliance, causing over 50% of domestic appliance fires, while dryers are also a major cause of home fires, accounting for thousands annually.

It is recommended never to leave an electric oven on overnight without supervision, as this can lead to fire hazards even if the oven has no gas. Similarly, these appliances should never be left running overnight or when no one is at home, as they pose an electrical fire risk due to malfunction, lint buildup, or overheating.

Damaged Electrical Cords and Wiring

Frayed wires, cracked insulation, bent prongs, loose connections, or burn marks on cords are serious fire hazards. Homes with older wiring types like knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring face increased risks due to brittle insulation and heat buildup.

Overloaded or Faulty Electrical Outlets and Circuits

Flickering lights, buzzing outlets, and circuit breakers tripping repeatedly can indicate loose or overloaded circuits that may spark a fire.

Preventive Measures

To prevent accidents and reduce overnight fire risk:

Unplug or switch off appliances when not in use, especially overnight or when away from home.
Regularly inspect and maintain appliance cords and plug connections. Replace any damaged cords immediately to remove potential ignition sources.
Clean lint filters and vents in dryers regularly to prevent heat buildup.
Use plug-in timers for ovens or other high-risk appliances to automatically cut power after a set time rather than leaving them on unsupervised.
Have electrical systems inspected, especially in older homes, to identify outdated wiring and replace it with safer copper wiring grounded properly.
Avoid running multiple high-wattage appliances on the same circuit, which can overload wiring and cause overheating.
Be vigilant for signs of electrical malfunction like buzzing, flickering lights, or frequent breaker trips, and address them promptly with a qualified electrician.

Electric Heaters

Prevention is important to avoid accidents related to electric heaters, especially while people are sleeping. It is not recommended to leave electric heaters unattended, especially in closed rooms, near blankets, curtains, or paper. Do not place the heater near flammable materials or within reach of children or pets.

Leaving electric heaters on at night can cause carbon monoxide poisoning, burns, or fires in poorly ventilated rooms. Regular cleaning of your heater is important to prevent fires. It is not advisable to place electric heaters in bathrooms or humid spaces as it increases the risk of accidents.

Safety Tips for Using Electric Heaters

Avoid leaving electric heaters unattended, especially in closed rooms, near blankets, curtains, or paper.
Do not place the heater near flammable materials or within reach of children or pets.
If you detect a strange smell or changes in the light from an appliance, disconnect it immediately.
Leaving electric heaters on at night can cause carbon monoxide poisoning, burns, or fires in poorly ventilated rooms.
Regular cleaning of your heater is important to prevent fires.
It is not advisable to place electric heaters in bathrooms or humid spaces as it increases the risk of accidents.
Avoid leaving appliances connected before sleeping.
Ensure your electrical installation is adequate and has protection.
A final check before sleeping is recommended: turn off and disconnect the electric heater.

During the cold season, the Mexican government has registered an increase in accidents related to the improper use of heaters. Leaving an electric heater connected at night increases the risk of overheating, electrical discharges, and fires. By following these safety tips, you can drastically reduce the risk of overnight fires caused by household appliances.

Household appliances like electric ovens, clothes dryers, and washing machines can cause over 50% of domestic appliance fires, especially when left running overnight or unsupervised. In order to prevent electrical fires and other accidents, it is recommended to regularly inspect appliance cords and plug connections, clean lint filters in dryers, use plug-in timers for high-risk appliances, and ensure proper electrical wiring and outlet usage in the home. Safety tips for using electric heaters include avoiding leaving them unattended, placing them a safe distance from flammable materials, and regularly cleaning the heater to prevent fires. By adhering to these preventive measures, one can reduce the risk of overnight fires associated with household appliances.