When you’re preparing to go on vacation, the last thing you want to worry about is devices consuming electricity while you’re away. Many appliances continue to draw power when left plugged in, even if they’re turned off, leading to increased utility bills. However, unplugging these devices is not just about saving energy; it’s also crucial for fire safety.
According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, electrical equipment-related incidents cause over 41,000 residential fires annually, resulting in approximately 350 fatalities, 1,400 injuries, and more than $620 million in property damage. Therefore, before you lock the door and head out for your trip, take a moment to unplug these items in each room to ensure safety.
What to Unplug Before Vacation:
Unplugging devices before leaving for vacation not only helps reduce electricity costs but also minimizes the risk of electrical fires.
Small Kitchen Appliances: Countertop appliances like coffee pots, microwaves, air fryers, blenders, and toasters draw power even when not in use. Unplugging them prevents unnecessary energy consumption and potential electrical surges.
Heaters: Space heaters, even when supervised, can be hazardous. Ensure they are unplugged to lower the fire risk.
Electric Blankets: To prevent fire hazards, unplug electric blankets when not in use.
Chargers: Unplug all chargers, especially those for lithium-ion batteries, to avoid overcharging and potential fire hazards.
Gaming Consoles: Even when switched off, gaming consoles continue to consume electricity. Remember to unplug them when not in use for an extended period.
Computers: Desktops and laptops are susceptible to electrical surges if left plugged in while unattended. Unplug them to prevent damage.
Air Conditioning Units: Unplug and remove window air conditioning units before leaving for vacation to save energy.
Hair Styling Tools: Unplug hair dryers, straighteners, curling irons, and other hair tools to prevent fire risks.
Items to Keep Plugged In:
While it’s essential to unplug certain items before leaving, there are three household devices that should always remain plugged in:
Refrigerator and Freezer: These appliances must stay plugged in, even during extended absences, to maintain constant temperatures for the food inside.
By taking a moment to unplug specific items and ensuring others remain plugged in, you can enjoy a worry-free vacation and promote a safer environment at home.
To ensure everything inside remains fresh, it is important to keep deep freezers, refrigerators, and freezers plugged in during vacations. Similarly, it is advisable to leave routers and modems connected as disconnecting them can disrupt connected devices such as thermostats and home security systems. For more home safety tips, check out the original article on Southern Living.
