Author: David Hall
You’re probably not aware of it, but there are a few dangerous tech gadgets that you should remove from your home as soon as possible. Left unchecked, these devices could pose a serious fire hazard or even cause an electrical accident.
It’s important to be aware of these devices’ dangers and take the necessary precautions to keep yourself and your family safe.Â
Here are 5 dangerous tech gadgets you should remove from your home right away.
1. Old power strips
You might not think of an old power strip as being dangerous, but the truth is, they can be.Â
In modern homes, there is a huge demand for extension cables. Your gadgets may occasionally lose power due to a short in a power strip. When this occurs, even for a little moment, look for any damage signs on the power strip.Â
Keep an eye out for scorch near outlets. You might be able to remove these with your fingertips because they will look like rust-colored marks.
It might be harmful to use outdated power strips even when there are no evident indicators of damage. If you’re unsure of the date you last changed yours, put it on your list of things to buy.
Many objects are prohibited from being connected to extension cords.
2. Old phones in a drawer
You probably have an old phone stashed away in a drawer somewhere. While you might not think twice about it, that old phone can be a fire hazard. Most phones contain lithium-ion batteries, which can be very flammable. If that battery starts to heat up, it can cause a fire. So if you’re not using that old phone, it’s best to get rid of it.
Find your old phones by digging through your cabinets, and check them for any indications of battery swelling. Here is what you should do if you notice it:
- Never attempt to charge a swollen device. An explosion or fire could occur if a swollen battery is charged.
- Carefully detach the battery from the casing if your phone is an older model with an easily detachable battery. Don’t try to take the battery out of your phone yourself if it’s recent.
- Contact the phone maker and place the swollen phone in a fireproof bag. An outdated model might not be returnable or exchangeable for anything. But at the very least, make plans for its proper disposal or recycling.
3. It’s on a recall list
You might not know this, but some tech gadgets are actually on a recall list. The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission frequently issues alerts about potentially harmful items and directs you on what to do if you have a recalled product in your house.
Checking their list regularly will help you identify any items you own that could put your family at risk. The recalled item may occasionally be replaced or refunded. Additionally, there are directions on how to get in touch with the maker. It is important to check the recall list before you make any purchasing decisions. If you see a product on the list, it’s best to stay away.
4. Outdated routers
Another dangerous tech gadget you should remove from your home is your outdated router. It might seem like a no-brainer to update your router, but few people don’t bother. That’s a problem because outdated routers are one of the easiest ways for hackers to gain access to your home network.
The most recent security standard, WPA-3, was introduced in 2018. The second most secure alternative is WPA2-PSK AES if your router does not support WPA3. It’s a sign that your router needs to be replaced.
5. There are no more updates
The potential for hackers to cause havoc exists anywhere there is an internet connection. Keeping your smartphone, computer, and everything else up to date is essential because security updates protect you from the newest tactics used by thieves.
Conclusion
Those are the five dangerous tech gadgets that you should remove from your home. If you have any of these items in your house, it’s time to get rid of them! After getting rid of them, ensure your home is safe and secure. You can find safer replacements that will still meet your needs.