Keep out fires with some simple safety steps this Electrical Fire Safety Week.
Electrical faults are one of the leading causes of accidental house fires in the UK, and thousands of fires every year start from to overloaded sockets, overheating devices, or unsafe electrical appliances.
As Electrical Fire Safety Week (2 - 9 February) gets underway, Lincolnshire’s residents are being urged to take the small steps which can make a big difference in terms of fire safety.
- Get into the habit of checking your smoke alarm weekly
- Don’t overload sockets with too many appliances
- Keep an eye out for fraying power leads
- Switch off and unplug appliances when not in use, unless designed to stay on
- Never charge overnight, or place electrical equipment under pillows or blankets
- Maintain your devices and appliances like removing dryer fluff or cleaning air fryer grease build-ups
- Only dispose batteries in dedicated battery bins found at local supermarkets or household waste recycling centres
- Register your appliances for safety recalls and repairs
Dan Moss, Area Manager Protection and Prevention at Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue, said: “Electrical Fire Safety Week is a great reminder that these devices and appliances that we use almost daily can be fire risks, and it’s important that we treat them like that.
“Simple things like not leaving devices on charge overnight and placing them in areas that are well ventilated, so they don’t overheat, really do make a difference. And registering appliances is a quick and simple way to get repairs or replacements for potentially dangerous products.
“The biggest difference you can make to improve fire safety in your home is absolutely checking that your smoke alarm is in working order. Ultimately, you and your family are the most precious things in your house, and smoke alarms give you the early warning - especially if you’re sleeping - to be able to safely get out, stay out and call 999 in the event of an emergency.”
Further guidance on electrical safety in the home can be found at Electrical Safety First.
We also have a free Online Home Fire Safety Check, which takes you through your home helping you spot potential fire risks and offering tips on how to reduce them. When complete you’ll get a personalised fire safety action plan to help keep your household safe from fires. Complete the online check.
With half term quickly approaching, Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue are keen for people to remember that fire safety is not just limited to the home.
Dan continued: “A lot of people will be travelling away for the upcoming half term and, whether you’re heading to our east coast or further afield, it’s important that you remember to take fire safety with you.
“Again, simple steps like checking you’ve working smoke alarms in your accommodation and knowing how to get out safely are really vital. Should the worst happen, an alarm and escape route are your best friends.”