Laptop Safety

I know what you are thinking- you need safety instructions involving your laptop?!  Well, we aren’t being crazy!  Many consumers do not know how dangerous, and how much of a fire hazard, these personal computers are.  With the number of laptops versus desktop computers in consumers’ homes today, people need to be aware of how to ensure that they are safe from harm with these devices.

Fire-related incidents involving laptops have skyrocketed in recent years, especially as college students have adopted the laptop as a necessity due to their portable and versatile nature.  However, while there are many benefits of a laptop, there are disadvantages, such as poor ventilation, which is the main cause of fire. As the laptop overheats and is not able to properly cool down, it can spark a flame and cause serious damage that will need to evaluated by your insurance agent.  So how can you stay protected?

-          Do not leave laptops on soft surfaces, such as beds, couches, or pillows.

-          Keep the laptop on a hard surface ONLY, such as on a table or desk.

-          Turn OFF the power when you are not using it, not just in SLEEP mode.

-          Keep the vents and fans uncovered and make sure they are not being blocked in any way.

-          Listen to the fan; if it is continuously running, bring it to an IT professional as this may be a sign of trouble.