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My Home Safety

The Bathroom

Bathrooms are one of the most active places in today's modern homes. They serve many purposes outside of their traditional functions such as dressing areas, home spas, vanities and storage. As a result this can create a volatile environment for potential fire hazards and risks.

  1. Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)
  2. Adding a space heater
  3. Electrical appliances
  4. Flammable materials and appliances
  5. Candles as extra lighting
  6. Hairdryers
Have you considered...
Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets are now required by new construction standards in most areas of the United States. They shut off power before an overload or short can become dangerous or cause damage to wiring. Consider replacing your bathroom outlets with GFCI’s if your home was built before this type of outlet became the standard in modern bathrooms.
Adding a space heater during cold weather can take the chill and dampness out of a room, but could be potentially hazardous in a crowded bathroom. Be sure towels and other flammable materials are not too close or in contact with a space heater.
Electrical appliances are in abundance, and many are capable of producing high temperatures, as well as taxing the capacity of your bathroom electrical circuits. Pay close attention to the total power being used on bathroom outlets, particularly if they are not GFCI protected. Discontinue use if outlets are warm or there is a burning odor.
A variety of heat producing beauty appliances can be found in most of today's homes. Some counter tops are flammable, and cabinetry is often made of wood. Care should be taken when placing hot curling irons or other heated appliances on or near the bathroom vanity or shelving. Make sure not to pinch wiring in drawers or cabinetry while in use.
We often use candles as extra lighting in our bathrooms but they can pose an increased risk of fire. Keep lighted candles away from anything that might burn like shower curtains, towels and clothing and never leave lighted candles unattended.
Hairdryers become glowing hot inside during operation and should be inspected periodically for dust, lint and hair accumulation that might catch fire with sufficient build-up.
  1. Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)
  2. Adding a space heater
  3. Electrical appliances
  4. Flammable materials and appliances
  5. Candles as extra lighting
  6. Hairdryers<

The Bathroom