I unplug everything...toaster, iron, electric heaters, and my sewing machines. With the appliances I worry about a fire, but with my sewing machine I worry about a power surge through the house, or my animals chewing the cord.....they never have in the past, just wouldn't want to replace $150 pedal. My brother had a power surge run through his house after a near by lightning strike, and it fried everything that was plugged in...even when it was in a surge protector. Lost his computers, stereos, tv etc. I am very careful now.