A little about appliance safety.

Some of these may sound like common sense, but just in case.

1 -Keep your appliances clean and maintained. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for care and operation.

2 -Warn your children not to play near gas appliances, especially fireplaces, stoves and ovens.

3 -Because natural gas needs oxygen to burn properly, be sure to keep the area around your furnace and water heater clear of items that could block air circulation.

4 -Keep paint, varnish, turpentine, glue, gasoline, cleaning fluids and other chemicals away from gas appliances so their vapors aren't ignited by the gas flame.

5 -Do not store papers or anything flammable near an appliance or your furnace.

6 -Unplug an appliance before cleaning as wet skin increases risk of electric shock.

7 -Don't run cords underneath carpet, rugs or furniture.

8 -Never force a 3 prong plug into a 2 slop outlet or extension cord.

9 -Clean behind and underneath the refigerator periodicaly to prevent dust and dirt buildup on coils and cords.

10 -Never drape an appliance cord over or into a sink or across a walking area or pathway. Gather excess cord and confine in a safe area behind the appliance

11 -Electricity and water shouldn't meet - do not allow electrical cords to sit, lay or come into contact with water or other liquids.

12 -Always use more caution when operating appliances with small children in the home. And teach older children/young adults how to use appliances safely; don't assume they already know.

13 -Steam can burn - always use care to protect your hands where steam can be present.

14 -Always place a humidifier on a stable platform, out of reach of baby's crib or toddler's access. Avoid draping cords that could be pulled. This is especially important when using a warm mist humidifier which contains very hot water.

15 -Do not use any appliance that has a frayed cord, exposed wires, melted plugs or burn marks on the prongs. Repair or replace damaged cords and plugs, or discard for safety sake.

16 -Do not plug any appliance into a suspected faulty electrical receptacle.