CAN A CURLING IRON START A FIRE?

4/21/2022 (Permalink)

Are Curling Irons a Fire Hazard?

As innocent as it might seem, a curling iron can cause fire damage to your Charlotte, NC home if not properly used and stored.

Curling irons are heated by an electrical resistor, and if left on for too long, the iron’s circuit board could start a home electrical fire. Even curling irons with an automatic shut-off feature are at risk of starting fires. A report from the U.S. Consumer Protection Safety Commission (CPSC) states that personal grooming appliances, including curling irons, caused an estimated 234,000 fires. 

Tips to Prevent a Curling Iron Fire:

• Don’t overload bathroom outlets
• When your hair is done, unplug the iron to avoid a fire or simply a burn to the surface it is placed on → make this a habit!
• Use the built-in rests that are usually on the iron’s grip so that it doesn’t lay on the countertop
• Buy a silicon mat if your curling iron does not have an attachment for it to rest on

To protect yourself and your family, always pay attention to where hair tools are, follow all safety instructions, and unplug any tools not in use.

Don’t worry, if your Charlotte, NC home experiences an electrical fire, SERVPRO of South Mecklenburg County is never more than a call away. Our highly trained technicians are experienced in fire damage restoration and can assure you that you’re in good hands.