Top 14 Appliance Safety Tips for Norman Homeowners
Home appliances make everyday life easier, but when used improperly, they can quickly become a safety risk.
Many homeowners in Norman worry about fires, electric shocks, or sudden appliance failures when an appliance keeps blowing fuses or tripping the circuit breaker. That’s often a warning sign of a deeper problem and should never be ignored. In moments like these, people feel unsure whether to keep using the appliance, try a quick fix, or call a professional.
Here are five simple and expert-approved appliance safety tips trusted by appliance repair professionals to help you stay safe. Keep reading to learn simple safety habits that can protect your home and give you peace of mind before a minor issue becomes a major problem.
Appliance Safety Tips
1. Make Sure Appliances in Damp Areas Are Plugged into a GFCI Outlet
Areas like your laundry room, bathroom, kitchen, garage, or even outdoor spaces are prone to moisture. And as you probably know, electricity and water are a dangerous combination. To protect yourself, always plug appliances in damp locations into ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets. These outlets automatically cut off power if they detect an imbalance, helping prevent electrocution.
If your home doesn’t already have GFCI outlets in these spots, upgrading them should be a top priority. Also, pay attention to appliance manuals, some appliances are not meant for outdoor or damp use.
2. Use Extension Cords Only as a Temporary Solution
Extension cords might seem convenient, but they come with several risks:
- Loose connections can spark and start a fire.
- Power fluctuations can damage sensitive appliances.
- Water exposure increases the risk of electrocution.
- Overheating wires can lead to fires, especially if the cord isn’t rated for high-power appliances.
If you must use an extension cord temporarily, choose one with the right gauge for your appliance. A lower gauge number means the wire is thicker. For example, a lamp might use a 16-gauge cord, while a window air conditioner requires a heavy-duty 12-gauge cord.
Length matters too. Longer cords experience voltage drop along their length, a phenomenon called voltage drop. For power-hungry tools or appliances, stick to shorter, heavy-duty cords whenever possible.
3. Always Read the Operating Manual for Any Appliance You Buy
It might be tempting to skip the manual when setting up a new dishwasher, washing machine, or microwave. But taking a few minutes to read it can save you time, money, and even prevent accidents. Here’s why:
- Check your home’s wiring – Some appliances may require dedicated circuits to avoid overloading your existing setup.
- Learn hidden features – Modern appliances often have advanced settings you might not discover on your own.
- Safety first – Manuals will tell you if an appliance is safe for outdoor use or damp locations.
- Avoid frustration – Operating a new appliance without guidance can lead to mistakes, wasted energy, or even damage.
4. Unplug Small Appliances When Not in Use
Even if leaving a small appliance plugged in isn’t immediately dangerous, it can quietly drain energy. Many appliances, such as coffee makers, TVs, chargers, and routers, consume power in standby mode due to clocks, LEDs, or background functions.
Unplugging them when not in use helps:
- Cut unnecessary energy consumption
- Lower your electricity bills
- Reduce wear on the appliance
Just remember that some devices, like DVRs, may need to stay plugged in to maintain automatic updates.
For more practical advice on using appliances safely or to schedule a professional repair, contact PrimeFix Co Appliance Repair Company in Norman. Our team will help you maintain your appliances, spot any safety hazards, and keep your home running smoothly.
5. Keep an eye on what's cooking
Unattended cooking is the major cause of kitchen fires in the U.S. and Canada. Even a few minutes away from the stove can create serious risks. If you need to step away, ask someone to watch your cooking. Staying alert is the easiest way to prevent accidents.
6. Turn the pot and pan handles inward
Small hands and curious pets can get into trouble easily. Turning handles inward keeps pots and pans out of reach, reducing the risk of burns and hot spills.
7. Keep a fire extinguisher or baking soda nearby
Accidents happen. Keep a fire extinguisher within reach for emergencies. For stove or oven fires, baking soda can also smother flames. Remember:
- Keep the oven door closed to stop an oven or broiler fire.
- For grease or oil fires on the cooktop, cover them with a pan lid; never pour water.
8. Buy replacement parts from reputable sources
Whether it’s a refrigerator water filter or a cordless vacuum battery, always buy from trusted suppliers. Using counterfeit or low-quality parts can compromise safety and appliance performance.
9. Keep your oven and range clean
Grease and food residue can catch fire if left unchecked. Regularly clean your oven, burners, and range to reduce the risk of fires and keep your kitchen safe.
10. Use the correct microwave cooking times
Microwave fires are rare, but overheating food can be dangerous. Always follow the recommended cooking or reheating times. Never put metal dishes or other metal items in the microwave; they can spark and start a fire.
11. Secure your portable appliance cords
Loose or dangling cords are more than just a nuisance; they’re a tripping hazard and can lead to injuries. Whether you’re using or storing your appliances, make sure cords are neatly tucked away.
12. Keep portable appliances away from the sink
Hair dryers, blenders, or other small appliances should never be used near water. Even a small splash can cause a serious electric shock, so always give your sink some space.
13. Clean your dryer lint trap
A clean lint trap isn’t just about better drying; it’s a key fire prevention step. Clean it after every load, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning the exterior vent system. Don’t forget to remove lint from behind the dryer and around the drum as needed.
14. Use portable heaters safely
During colder months, portable heaters can keep your home warm, but they can also be dangerous if misused. Always choose heaters certified by nationally recognized testing labs. Never leave them unattended, and keep any flammable materials well away from the heater.
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Conclusion
Keeping appliances safe is simple with a few smart habits: clean lint traps, secure cords, use appliances away from water, and follow instructions. If you take small steps, like unplugging unused devices and using heaters properly, you can prevent accidents. When in doubt, call a professional to protect your home and family.