Everyday Fire Hazard

11/19/2019 (Permalink)

Photo of cell phone charger that overheated, possibly starting a fire.

As Black Friday approaches, the number of personal electronic devices gracing the coveted Black Friday shopping ads, is astounding.

Almost everyone has multiple electronic devices that they carry on them every day.  One of our SERVPRO employees mentioned the other day that their teenage daughter has an iPhone, and iPad, wireless ear buds, an apple watch that she will simply not leave home without.  In addition, she has a myriad of other electronic devices in the house or car that are always either plugged in to recharge or are awaiting some juice.

The amount of devices that the average home has either plugged in and charging or the plug and cord are plugged in awaiting a device is simply staggering. 

OK, so here comes the scary part.... Each and every one of those plugs and ports is a fire hazard. Most device plugs, especially the really cool ones with LED lights on them, have electricity coursing through them even when a device is not attached.

These are often of inferior or cheap quality and are prone to over heating and shorting out.  Hundreds of house fires every year are caused by these plugs and charging ports.  Even worse, they are usually tucked behind a piece of furniture or other contents with just the charging cord protruding into the open for easy access.  Not to mention the devices that are accidentally left bundled in blankets or under pillows where the heat can build up and increase the chance of a fire.

We are not asking you to skip all the AWESOME Black Friday sales or to pass up the tech device on someone's Christmas list.  Just be cognizant of the risks associated with the abundance of charging devices that are in your home.  Consider unplugging the plug or port when the device is not being charged.

Happy Shopping from all of us at SERVPRO of Dubuque.  We might even put out our Christmas list in an upcoming blog....