We recently installed a bench-top cupboard to tidy away our toaster and jug when not in use. The other day, I closed it up to go out, but realised I’d left my keys in there. I returned to find the slide-down door had pushed the toaster lever down. It was really hot in there. Had I not come back, there could have been a fire. I’ve heard of others who’ve had this issue. Shouldn’t something be done?
Cupboards with slide-down doors have become very fashionable. Problem is, people try to keep too much in them. I’m told by my local fire safety expert that in the Wellington region in the last three years, eight to 10 house fires have been caused by toasters being started inside kitchen cupboards.
What to do? Make sure the cupboard is deep enough, so the toaster’s starting levers are well away from the door when it’s closed. Clear the tangle of cords behind the toaster, so it can be pushed to the back of the cupboard. And never put the toaster away when it’s still warm.
You should also get into the habit of putting the toaster away sideways, ensuring the on-off lever is not pointing towards the door. When I asked the expert if something should be written into the building code about toaster cupboards, I was told a definitive “no”. Common sense was required. The three main causes of fire, he said, were men, women and children.
