3 Common Household Appliances that Increase Your Fire Risk

Watch out for these household appliances that can cause fires if you aren’t careful.

As a homeowner, one of the biggest threats that your home faces is the risk of a fire.  While you know to watch for fire risks such as your stove or lit candles, common household appliances can also set your home ablaze.  Here are some of the common household appliances that can cause fires.

Dryers

If you do not keep up with regular maintenance, then your dryer can easily set off a fire.  For instance, if you fail to clean out your dryer and allow lint and dust to build up in your dryer’s lint trap, tubing, and exhaust ducts, then the heat of the dryer can actually cause this lint to ignite.  To prevent a fire from breaking out inside this appliance, make sure you clean out the ducts and vents of your dryer routinely.

Microwaves

Microwaves can cause fires if they are outdated, not cleaned, or used improperly.  Experts recommend updating your microwave every five years to keep your fire risk low.  However, you should also make sure to clean out any food splatter inside your microwave to ensure that this residue doesn’t ignite the next time you go to heat something up.  Finally, make sure that you do not put anything metal (such as aluminum foil) into your microwave as this too can start a fire.

Toaster Ovens

Because toasters use heat to brown or cook food, they can easily become overheated.  To prevent a fire from breaking out in your toaster, make sure you clear away crumbs after every use to prevent them from igniting the next time you use your toaster.  You should also periodically check your toaster’s wires for signs of wear.  If your toaster is worn down and showing signs of deterioration, you might want to get a new one to reduce your fire risk.

These are some of the common household appliances that can cause fires.  Want another way to keep your home safe from all the risks that it faces?  Then make sure you have the right homeowners insurance protections in place.  For assistance with all your personal coverage needs, contact the experts at Mike Leonard Insurance Agency.  Our dedicated team is eager to find you the right coverage from one of our many carriers including: Kemper, MetLife, Travelers, The Hartford, Safeco Insurance, Progressive, and American Strategic Insurance.