Modern living rooms in the UAE are becoming increasingly tech-savvy, with many homeowners opting for sofas equipped with integrated electrical sockets and USB charging ports. While these features provide undeniable convenience for families charging tablets or phones while relaxing, they also introduce significant fire hazards. The Abu Dhabi Civil Defence has recently issued an urgent advisory, cautioning residents that these built-in power sources can become dangerous if they are misused, damaged, or left running for too long.

To prevent electrical accidents, authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant by never leaving devices charging overnight or while the home is unattended. Key safety measures include avoiding the use of these ports for high-power devices like laptops, steering clear of overloading the sockets, and ensuring that all integrated hardware meets official safety standards. Furthermore, residents should immediately discontinue the use of any port that shows signs of scorching or overheating, and they should never run cables beneath carpets, as this hidden placement significantly increases the risk of a short circuit.