Society
A firefighter reveals the key home appliance you should unplug to avoid fires
Experts warn about the hidden dangers of house fires and detail necessary precautions to avoid tragedies at home.
Every year, house fires cause significant tragedies worldwide. Common causes include a poorly extinguished cigarette, a misplaced candle, or an unattended barbecue.
However, 25-30% of these incidents are electrical in origin, according to the National Center for Prevention and Protection (CNPP). Among the household appliances involved, one poses a particularly high risk: the dryer.
Dryer causes “ideal mix” for igniting flames
An experienced firefighter has identified the dryer as the electrical appliance most associated with home fires, surpassing others like the oven or the iron. While this claim lacks detailed official statistics, it is supported by the Burn Foundation. On its website, the organisation emphasises that the dryer ranks first among appliances that can cause fires.
The main issue lies in the accumulation of heat and dust inside the dryer, a combination that the Foundation describes as an “ideal mix” for igniting flames if proper maintenance is not carried out.
Key Recommendations
Verisure, a company specialising in alarm systems, reinforces the warning about the fire risk associated with dryers and offers several essential preventive measures to minimise these dangers.
- Clean the lint filter after every use and check the air vent at least once a year to prevent build-ups that could start a fire.
- Ensure there is enough space around the dryer to allow for proper air circulation and prevent the appliance from overheating.
- Never dry clothes that contain traces of oils, alcohols, or any other flammable substances, as these can increase the risk of combustion.
- Avoid running the dryer when you are not home or during the night, when the risk of not being able to react in time to a fire is higher.
Smoke and Electrical Installations Quality
While flames are an obvious threat, smoke is the leading cause of death in house fires, responsible for 80% of fatalities. Therefore, maintaining active vigilance and adhering to maintenance and usage recommendations is crucial.
The risk of fire depends not only on the appliances but also on the quality of electrical installations. Poorly sized power strips or old outlets can increase the danger, especially with heat-generating appliances like dryers.
By following these tips and precautions, the risk of appliance-related fires can be significantly reduced, ensuring greater home safety.
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Original article written by Mario Sáez, translated with the assistance of AI and edited by Joe Brennan.