• Keep your refrigerator clean inside and out to help avoid food-borne dangers.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
  
  Refrigerators are a common household appliance that few would see as scary or dangerous. For the most part, this is true. Proper use and care of a refrigerator typically results in hazard-free ownership. However, as with any electrical or large device, some dangers are associated with refrigerators. Understanding these issues can help you prevent accidents and keep your home safe.
  
  

Child Safety

• If you dispose of a refrigerator or store one in your house that is not in use, ensure that no one can be trapped in the refrigerator. Take the door off of the appliance for optimum safety. Another risk is the refrigerator falling or tipping over on a child. At play, children may try to climb or hang off of a refrigerator door, which could set the appliance off-balance. To prevent this, secure your refrigerator to your wall. Educating your children about potential risks when playing around large appliances is important.
  
  

Fire

• If a refrigerator is left to sit on its power cord, the cord can become damaged or frayed, exposing wires and creating a potential fire hazard. If you move your refrigerator, take care to ensure the cord is not under the appliance. If you move into a new home, ask the previous owners if the refrigerator has been moved, and inspect the cord for damage. Also ensure that a refrigerator's door seals are tight. Water can seep through a loose seal and create a short circuit. Additionally, if the defrost mechanism becomes blocked, water may leak and reach the electrical components. Keep your freezer defrosted and look for any blockages to avoid this risk.
  
  

Food Safety

• Improper storage of your food can result in exposure to bacteria, which can make you ill. Bacteria grows the fastest at temperatures between 40 and 140 degrees F, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Keep your refrigerator temperature set at 40 degrees or less, and monitor the temperature to ensure it's working properly. You must also watch out for food spoilage. If perishables change color, develop an odor or take on a sticky or slimy appearance, dispose of them immediately.