Millions of appliance units have been recalled in the past five years for defects that could cause a fire.  In May 2007, for example, 2.5 million GE dishwashers were recalled due to overheated wiring due to a short circuit.

In 1972, an independent federal regulatory agency was established to protect the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death from thousands of types of consumer products.  The name of this agency is “The Consumer Product Safety Commission” (CPSC).  The CPSC was required to create a public portal on their website to provide a publicly available, accessible, and searchable database of consumer product incident reports by the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA), which became law on August 14, 2008.   Submitters can report to the CPSC, a harm or risk of harm related to the use of a consumer product or other product or substance within the jurisdiction of the CPSC.  This data can be accessed on their website at www.SaferProducts.gov.  Consumers can be alerted to potential product problems by viewing these reports.

When you purchase a new appliance, it is very important for you to register it with the manufacturer by filling out the card that comes with it and mailing it back promptly.  In the event of a recall, the manufacturer will be able to notify you in a timely manner.  You can also sign up for alerts at www.recalls.gov.  Record the make and model number of your appliance to be updated with any important information or recalls.

Of course, one must always exercise basic safety precautions to prevent potential fire hazards.  For example:  Keep dryer vents clear and clean your lint screen to avoid buildup which can potentially cause a fire.  Clean vents on range hoods regularly.  Inspect power cords for any signs of fraying.  Make sure your home wiring system is updated by a licensed electrician to accommodate the demands of modern appliances.  Install fire prevention equipment such as smoke alarms on each level of your home and by each bedroom.  Be aware of and follow important kitchen safety rules.