Keep flammables away.
Keep the area around and near appliances clean and free of combustible materials. Never store flammable liquids in
your home as the vapors can be ignited by an ignition source.
Practice good appliance habits.
Always be sure appliances and cords are in good working condition before you use them. Unplug electrical appliances before cleaning them. Never put metal objects in live parts of appliances or outlets – you could be shocked! Always unplug an appliance that overheats and have it checked by a qualified repair person before using it again. Appliances should bear the approval seal of a recognized testing laboratory such as Underwriters Laboratories.
Treat appliance cords with care, too:
Use portable space heaters safely.
- Always pull on the plug, not the cord.
- Don't carry an appliance by its cord.
- Keep cords out from under rugs or furniture.
- Don't use appliances with frayed or poorly insulated cords.
- Keep appliance cords safely away from ledges where children and pets can pull them down.
The safest types have switches that turn the heater off if it is tipped over. Make sure to keep portable heaters away from papers, bedding, draperies and other combustible materials to prevent fires. Keep them away from water to prevent electric shock. Never leave a space heater unattended or leave children or pets alone in a room with a space heater.
Prevent Tap Water Scalds.
Never take hot water temperature for granted. Always hand-test before using, especially when bathing children
and infants. Leaving a child unsupervised in the bathroom, even if only for a second, could cause serious
injuries. Your presence at all times is the best defense against accidents and scaldings to infants and young
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
urges consumers to set water heater temperatures at no more than
120 degrees Fahrenheit, and to consider lowering the thermostat to the lowest settings that will satisfy hot
water needs for clothing and dish washing machines.