People often believe that accidents are unavoidable, but many daily dangers can be prevented with better awareness.

Tragic incidents like a recent case in Shanghai show just how quickly a moment of carelessness can lead to serious harm. A 5-year-old boy suffered facial injuries requiring 38 stitches after a soft drink can exploded when removed from the freezer.

He had placed the drink inside to cool it faster, unaware of the potential risk. This shocking event reminds us to pay close attention to how we use common appliances like refrigerators.

One of the most dangerous habits is placing carbonated drinks in the freezer. While it may seem like a quick way to chill a soda, doing so causes the liquid inside to expand as it freezes, placing intense pressure on the can. Combined with the release of CO₂ gas, the can may explode suddenly, posing serious risks. If you need to chill a carbonated drink, refrigerate it or marinate it in ice water for a few minutes—never freeze it.

Another risky item is alcoholic beverages. Alcohol expands under cold temperatures and, when sealed in airtight containers, can create pressure that leads to explosions. Additionally, alcohol is flammable. If a spark occurs while the refrigerator is operating or malfunctioning, it can ignite the alcohol and cause a fire or explosion. The safest way to enjoy cold alcohol is by chilling it in an ice bucket or drinking it with ice, rather than storing it in the freezer.

Dry ice is another substance that should never go into a freezer. Composed of solid CO₂, dry ice expands drastically—up to 800 times—when it warms even slightly in a confined space. If left inside a freezer, it can build up pressure and trigger an explosion, damaging the appliance and endangering the household. Store dry ice in specialized insulated containers and always handle it with gloves or tongs to avoid burns.

Ultimately, safety starts with awareness. While the refrigerator is a household staple, misusing it by storing inappropriate items can lead to dangerous consequences. Avoid putting carbonated drinks, alcohol, or dry ice in the freezer, and educate others in your home to do the same. Prevention is always better than regret.