Going on Vacation? Unplug These Devices to Prevent a Disaster—and a Huge Home Insurance Claim

Heading Out? Unplug These Devices to Avoid Fire Risks and Insurance Headaches

Before you leave for vacation, don’t just lock the door unplug your electronics. Many devices continue to draw standby power, raising your energy bill and increasing the risk of electrical fires. Worse, a fire caused by a neglected appliance could lead to a home insurance claim and a potential premium hike.

To stay safe and save money, unplug:

Small kitchen appliances: toasters, coffee makers, air fryers, blenders
Hair tools: dryers, straighteners, curling irons
Entertainment gear: TVs, gaming consoles, computers
Laundry appliances: washer and dryer
Heating devices: space heaters, electric blankets
Chargers and power strips: even when off, they draw current

unplugging a power strip cuts power completely just turning it off doesn’t. And while you’re at it, consider adjusting your thermostat, lowering your water heater, and setting light timers to keep your home secure and efficient while you’re away.

Key Takeaways

Electrical fires caused an average of 425 deaths, 1,200+ injuries, and $1.6 billion in property damage annually between 2015 and 2019.
Unplugging appliances before leaving home reduces fire risk and lowers your energy bill.
Disconnect both small appliances (toasters, hairdryers, gaming consoles) and larger ones (washer, dryer) to eliminate standby power draw and potential ignition sources.

Unplugging electronics before heading out isn’t just smart it’s essential. You’ll cut down on standby energy costs and reduce the risk of electrical fires, which can lead to devastating home insurance claims.

In 2023 alone, U.S. fire departments responded to 23,700 house fires caused by electrical malfunctions. And between 2015 and 2019, electrical fires resulted in an average of 425 deaths, 1,279 injuries, and $1.6 billion in property damage annually.

What Insurance Covers—and What It Doesn’t

Most standard homeowners and renters insurance policies cover fire damage caused by appliances. But if your belongings are insured under a named perils policy, coverage only applies if the damage stems from a listed peril like fire or a power surge.

Important caveats:

Damage from poorly maintained or aging appliances may be excluded.
Filing a fire damage claim could trigger a premium increase at renewal—even if the claim is approved.

Whether or not you're covered, prevention is key. Unplug devices before leaving home to avoid costly damage and insurance headaches.

What Devices Should You Unplug When Not in Use?

Unplugging unused devices isn’t just storm-season advice it’s a smart everyday habit. Many appliances pose fire risks due to frayed cords, overheating batteries, or damaged components. Plus, they draw standby power, quietly inflating your energy bill.

To protect your home and wallet, unplug:

Small kitchen appliances: toasters, coffee makers, blenders, air fryers
Laundry appliances: washer and dryer
Dishwasher
Hair dryers and styling tools
Space heaters
Chargers and power strips
Entertainment devices: TVs, gaming consoles
Computers
Candle warmers
Electric blankets and warmers

Even if a power strip is turned off, it can still transmit a small amount of electricity. Fully unplug it to cut power completely.

Turning off a power strip doesn’t fully disconnect your devices. To stop standby energy draw, you must unplug the strip entirely. Otherwise, a small amount of electricity continues to flow raising your energy bill and increasing fire risk while you're away.

The Bottom Line

Unplugging devices might not top your vacation prep list but it’s a simple way to protect your home, avoid fire risks, and prevent a costly insurance claim. You’ll also shave down your energy bill, which is always a win.

Before you leave: