Electric Appliance Safety

Appliances powered by electricity are used for heating our homes, heating our water, cooking our food, drying our clothes, and providing a comfortable ambiance. Follow these appliance safety guidelines to help ensure the safety of you, your home, and your appliances.

• Make sure appliances in damp locations are plugged into a Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI). Locations include bathrooms, laundry rooms, kitchens, garages, and outdoor areas.
• Make sure appliances have been approved by recognized testing centers to ensure national safety standards have been met.
• Follow all manufacturer’s instructions on the appliance labels and in operating manuals.
• Never use an improperly operating appliance.
• Never use an appliance for anything other than its intended purpose.
• Keep all plugs, cords, outlets, and electronics away from water.
• Use extension cords for temporary use only and make sure the cord is the appropriate gauge for the appliance being used.
• Unplug small appliances when not in use.
• If an appliance has fallen into the water, never reach to get the appliance unless it is unplugged or the circuit is turned off.
• Inspect plugs, cords, and connectors for cracks, splits, breaks or bare wires.
• Keep cords as short as possible to avoid knocking the appliance over or creating a trip hazard.

Home Heating

• Clean or replace furnace filters every month during heating and cooling seasons.
• Have the heating and cooling appliances inspected annually by a certified professional.

Water Heating

• Monitor the temperature setting to maintain safe usage and help prevent scalding.
• Have the water heater inspected annually by a certified professional.

Cooking

• Regularly clean underneath drop-in ranges and ovens to avoid dust and debris accumulation and grease build-up.
• Keep refrigerator coils and vents free from dust and great build-up.
• Always clean the microwave after each use, wiping away any splattered grease or oil.
• Keep baked-on foods from accumulating in your oven or range by cleaning regularly following the manufacturer’s instructions.

 Laundry

• Make sure a 220v grounded outlet is used.
• Make sure ductwork and exhaust hoses attached are free from restrictions such as lint build-up, kinks or folds.
• Remove any lint or dust from lint traps and vacuum lint trap area for loose lint.
• Keep the exhaust vent opening and adjacent surrounding areas free from lint accumulations.
• Periodically check the exhaust duct to make sure there are no restrictions.
• Never store or use flammable products around, in the same room or near any heat-producing appliances or equipment.