One might not consider the possible harm from a faulty refrigerator but everyone should know that injury, burns, fire, electrocution, coolant leak, chemical vaporization, and poisonous inhaling coolant could be caused due to a faulty refrigerating system. Freezer safety has become one of the crucial factors of a household that has a refrigerator. Statistics from 2013 mentioned that around 7000 injuries were reported in hospitals which were caused to children less than 18 years in the country.

Some cases weren’t reported at hospitals as well. For freezer safety it is important to understand that every year around 48 million people in the country fall ill, 128,000 are reported to be injured and 3000 deaths occur due to foodborne diseases. You must ensure that your refrigerators function effectively. Make sure you know the guidelines on the safety of your fridge and freezer.

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics came up with new statistics stating that 40% of the citizens are used to eating cold food stored from the refrigerator. The refrigerated food has the highest chance of bacterial growth, resulting in foodborne diseases. Therefore, one must consume home-cooked food daily. When you are planning to buy a refrigerator please do go through the following safety guidelines:

• Government agencies, retailers, consumer groups, suppliers and producers are part of making the safety guidelines while purchasing a refrigerator.
• Look for stickers under the names CSA, ASTM, ANSI, UL, CPSC while you purchase a refrigerator. Be cautious about buying MADE IN CHINA refrigerators because their regulatory standards are different compared to the ones made in the country
• Check for the safety of the glass shelves. They should be adjustable and break-proof. They should also come with a warranty card and a registration card as well. The cooling components should come sealed with the electric components sealed in another box.
• Assure to mail the manufacturer the details filled in warranty and registration card. This should include your name, address, and email ID, because there should always be proof as per the safety guidelines.
• If there are any recalls on the product, you will be notified with a call or email away.
• Consumer Reports National Research Center has researched on this safety essential tip and found that people who did not fill these forms always had issues with product recall. Customer care never reached out to them because they were not on the priority list.
• Make sure a person installs the refrigerator. Also, ask him to take you through the safety guidelines of the refrigerator as well as the freezer.
• Have a dedicated electric circuit to be cautious about power overloads
• Ensure you have your refrigerator children and pet-proofed.
• Experts have researched and found that your refrigerator is recommended to keep food at a temperature of about 40 degrees Fahrenheit and above. The freezer temperature should be about 0 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Adjust the thermometer based on season, so during summers you increase the temperature and during winters you must reduce or keep the temperature at a medium level.
• Clean your fridge almost every other day to prevent bacteria.
• Have enough ventilation for your freezer while cleaning. Freezer safety is also important.