Dishwashers, along with washing machines and dryers, are among the household appliances that pose the highest risk of fire. Every year, numerous fires are attributed to these devices.
In Norway, dishwashers have been known to cause serious fires, prompting the Norwegian Directorate for Civil Protection to issue specific guidance that is also highly relevant for homeowners elsewhere.
"Our clear advice is to make sure all appliances are turned off before leaving the house and before going to bed," advises Rolf Sørup, CEO of the Norwegian Directorate for Civil Protection.
Dishwashers, while convenient, rank high on the list of home appliances likely to cause fires, surpassed only by stoves.
Safety Tips for Electrical Appliances
Stay Alert and Present: Always be awake and at home when your dishwasher, washing machine, or dryer is running. This allows you to respond quickly in the unlikely event of a malfunction or fire.
Maintain Cleanliness: Always empty the dryer’s filter before use. A clogged filter can lead to overheating and potentially start a fire.
Switch Off: Turn off all electrical appliances when they are not in use, especially when leaving the house.
Safe Charging Practices: Charge your electronic devices only when you are awake and in the same room. Always place devices on a non-flammable surface and ensure they are not covered during charging.
Routine Checks Before Bed and Leaving Home
Verify that appliances like the stove, washing machine, and dryer are completely turned off.
Check that all unnecessary appliances and lights are switched off.
Confirm that no ovens or chargers are covered.
Make sure all candles or open flames are extinguished.
