Even if you’re only going to be away for a little while, it would be wise to check around and unplug any items that are not in use.
Some appliances, such as TVs and fridges, are safe to leave plugged in. However, other appliances can pose a danger if they’re left on standby.
The accumulation of crumbs and oil inside toasters and air fryers may cause a fire. It is important to clean them regularly, but unplugging after every use is the best option. Heat-producing hair tools, such as straighteners or curling irons, are also at risk. Even though they may have automatic shutoffs, it’s still safer to unplug the devices and let them fully cool before you leave.
While it may seem insignificant, chargers and phones left plugged into sockets can overheat. They will also wear out more quickly. Over time, it can lead to frequent replacements of chargers and money wasted.
The same goes for space heaters. They should not be left plugged into the wall when they are not being used. The main purpose of these heaters is to create heat. This means that they are a danger if unattended even if switched off.
Electric kettles must be unplugged whenever they are not in use. They heat the water quickly and any fault can be dangerous. This is especially true when nobody is home.
Unplugging your devices is quick and easy, but it can help you reduce risks in the home.