As forecasters throughout the state anticipate one of the hottest summers in California history, safety authorities are becoming concerned about the hazards that will certainly arise as a result. Fires are likely, the elderly may be at risk, and even the common homeowner or renter with a window air conditioner may face significant burn injuries.
Continue reading to find out what the are saying and why they are saying it, as well as tips on how to be safe. Contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas for a free legal consultation if you are hurt this summer, whether from a burn injury, a drowning accident, or any other case involving another person’s negligence.
When an air conditioner is operated excessively, it might cause a fire
In recent months, the National Fire Protection Association, as well as other safety organizations, have disclosed some disturbing news. They are attempting to educate people of the potential for fire when using an air conditioner. They argue that if an air conditioner gets too hot, it might burst into flames with little or no warning.
Air conditioner fires are more deadly than you would believe
According to the National Fire Protection Association, air conditioner fires cause around 20 fatalities each year across the United States. They also result in around 150 injuries and $80 in property damage. The number of these fires increases considerably in June, July, and August, which is unsurprising. In reality, between 2016 and 2020, malfunctioning air conditioning equipment were responsible for around 20% of residential fires that occurred in July.
What can you do to keep your air conditioner from catching fire?
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) provides many guidelines to help people lessen the risk of their air conditioner catching fire. They recommend getting your air conditioner serviced twice a year, once before you switch it on for the first time and again in the midst of summer. Repairing small flaws before they become major issues and performing routine maintenance on air conditioners may make a significant difference in the unit’s safety.
You may also go outside and inspect your air conditioner to verify whether it is safe. Are there any combustibles around it? Is there any debris plugging it up? Is it clear of debris? Keep it clean and free of risk by using common sense.
Is it possible that your air conditioner has been recalled?
It is critical to register every item you buy, even an air conditioner. Why? Because if there are any recalls, you will be contacted. A few years back, one LG model was recalled after more than a dozen fires were reported. There were no injuries in such incidents, which is most likely owing to the recall of the other units.
If you are wounded in an accident this summer as a consequence of someone else’s negligence, call the Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas for a free legal consultation.
