13 On Your Side: Hazards of household appliances
When throwing clothes in the dryer or turning on the stove most of us don't think of that appliance as a potential fire hazard but defective or broken items can put your family at risk.
News 13's Jon Chrisos is On Your Side with tips to stay safe.
When appliances are defective, are old or aren't used properly, it can put an entire home at risk.
The first step towards safe appliances, consumer reports says, is keeping tabs on product recalls, by registering new appliances.
That way if a defect is discovered by the manufacturer, and a recall is issued, you're guaranteed to hear about that recall promptly, and you can take all the necessary actions to protect yourself.
Look for changes in your appliance, even small annoyances like a light that's gone out, can be signs of a bigger problem. Any kind of unusual activity with an appliance is a sign that you need to take a closer look, perhaps even call in a repairman, and make sure there isn't a larger issue there.
Other ways to keep your home safe:
-- Inspect power cords regularly for frays and damage.
-- Check your home's wiring. Make sure older homes can handle the demands of modern appliances.
-- Clear range hoods. Grease buildup is another fire hazard.
-- And keep dryer vents clear.
And practice common sense kitchen safety. Unplug small kitchen appliances when you're leaving the house, and don't leave items on the stovetop or in the microwave unattended.
Right now the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has several recalls posted for household products, everything from dishwashers to digital cameras and dehumidifiers.
For a full list click here: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/category/household.html
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