Most homes have a multitude of electrical appliances ranging from small kitchen items such as toasters and microwaves to major appliances like clothes dryers and dishwashers. While appliances make our lives much easier, they also pose significant risks—including fire—if not maintained properly.

Appliance fire safety is a matter of keeping your appliances in good working order, as well as using them as they were intended. The average homeowner has several thousand dollars invested in appliances. To protect your investment and to avoid the potential risk of fire, find out what to check for to ensure your appliances don’t put you or your family at risk.

By the Numbers: Residential Appliance Fires

Residential appliance fires annually result in an estimated:

• 9,600 fires
• 25 deaths
• 525 injuries
• $211 million in property loss