Letter to the Editor: Safety Tips

    As a semi- retired lifelong safety professional I was recently surprised by an event   in my home that never should have occurred. There was a hidden hazard and I didn't know about it until after it happened in my kitchen.
    We had a Hamilton Beach toaster, a present from our daughter years ago, short out and cause a small electrical fire in my appliance cabinet wall. The ground fault circuit interrupter burned up and charred the inside of the electrical outlet box. Fortunately the circuit breaker tripped and the damage was minimal.
    I had a hunch to go online and look up information on the toaster model which is found on the bottom on a metal plate (on ours). I was surprised to discover it had been recalled, with very specific information telling consumers what to do. And  there were notices for quite a few other common small appliances as well. So from this experience, I urge all readers to be aware of the possible danger. No one needs a surprise like this one. In the case of owners of Hamilton Beach products just search on their web pages at www.hamiltonbeach.com/recalls. The information is easy to find.  Also be sure your ground fault circuit interrupters and circuit breakers are in good working condition.
A Central citizen