Every day Brooke uses her curling iron to style her hair before school. She often forgets to turn it off. She does not worry about this too much because it has a safety mechanism that turns it off automatically after one hour.

Question

What risk is Brooke taking by leaving her curling iron on? What steps could she take to reduce the risk of unintentional injury?

Answer 1

By leaving her curling iron on, Brooke is taking several risks, including:

1. Fire Hazard: If the curling iron malfunctions or comes into contact with flammable materials, it could start a fire.
2. Burn Risk: If someone accidentally touches the curling iron without realizing it is still on, it could cause severe burns.
3. Damage to Property: Prolonged exposure to heat can damage surfaces or items nearby, potentially resulting in costly repairs or replacements.

To reduce the risk of unintentional injury, Brooke could take the following steps:

1. Set a Timer: Use a timer on her phone or a separate timer to remind her to turn off the curling iron after a certain period.
2. Routine Check: Incorporate a habit of always checking that the curling iron is unplugged before leaving the house.
3. Designated Power Strip: Plug the curling iron into a power strip with an on/off switch, allowing her to turn off power to the appliance easily.
4. Create a Reminder: Place a sticky note on the bathroom mirror or the curling iron itself to remind her to turn it off.
5. Use a Smart Plug: Consider using a smart plug that can be controlled via a smartphone app, allowing her to turn off the curling iron remotely.
6. Develop a Safety Routine: Include turning off the curling iron as part of her daily routine before heading out, making it an automatic action.

By implementing these steps, Brooke can significantly reduce the chances of an accident occurring due to the curling iron being left on.