As we’ve discussed…
…in previous articles, many housefires are caused by easily avoidable mistakes, such as leaving devices on charge overnight.
Recent data shows there has been an increase in fires involving electrical items – such as vapes or mobile phone chargers – over the last three years.
In response to this, the Dorset & Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service are urging people to ‘Unplug To Unwind’ in their new fire prevention campaign. They state that only large appliances, such as fridges or freezers, are designed to be left on constantly, and that making sure all other electricals are unplugged when going to bed could protect your home from fire.
DWFRS Safe & Well Manager, Sarah Moore, says: “We know people will be trying to save money this winter, especially with Black Friday and in the run-up to Christmas, and it’s all too tempting to buy cheap products, but this comes with a risk. Although it can be cheaper to buy imported goods, they are often made with poor quality components that fail to meet UK safety regulations. This means they can cause injury, electric shocks and even fires.
“So many of the devices we use now have rechargeable batteries, so it’s vital that people follow the instructions provided and only use the correct charger. If the wrong voltage goes into a battery, or it’s left plugged in beyond being fully charged, there is a danger of overheating – which can then cause fires.”
To help reduce the risk of fire, the following simple steps are recommended:
- Ensuring any electrical products you buy have a British or European safety mark.
- Only using one plug per socket and never using a block adaptor. If you need more plugs than there are sockets, use a multi-socket extension lead with an integral fuse.
- Never ‘daisy chain’ extension leads or adaptors, by plugging in one extension into another in order to plug more appliances in.
- Make sure appliances are not left plugged in overnight or when you’re not using them.
- Follow instructions for all electrical devices and follow the manufacturer’s guidance regarding chargers.
- Only purchase electricals from a trustworthy store, an approved retailer, or direct from the manufacturer, to ensure you are not buying cheap imitation goods.
- Never leave items on charge when you are sleeping, or out of the house.
As we’ve discussed in previous articles, many housefires are caused by easily avoidable mistakes, such as leaving devices on charge overnight.
Recent data shows there has been an increase in fires involving electrical items – such as vapes or mobile phone chargers – over the last three years.
In response to this, the Dorset & Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service are urging people to ‘Unplug To Unwind’ in their new fire prevention campaign. They state that only large appliances, such as fridges or freezers, are designed to be left on constantly, and that making sure all other electricals are unplugged when going to bed could protect your home from fire.
DWFRS Safe & Well Manager, Sarah Moore, says: “We know people will be trying to save money this winter, especially with Black Friday and in the run-up to Christmas, and it’s all too tempting to buy cheap products, but this comes with a risk. Although it can be cheaper to buy imported goods, they are often made with poor quality components that fail to meet UK safety regulations. This means they can cause injury, electric shocks and even fires.
“So many of the devices we use now have rechargeable batteries, so it’s vital that people follow the instructions provided and only use the correct charger. If the wrong voltage goes into a battery, or it’s left plugged in beyond being fully charged, there is a danger of overheating – which can then cause fires.”
To help reduce the risk of fire, the following simple steps are recommended:
- Ensuring any electrical products you buy have a British or European safety mark.
- Only using one plug per socket and never using a block adaptor. If you need more plugs than there are sockets, use a multi-socket extension lead with an integral fuse.
- Never ‘daisy chain’ extension leads or adaptors, by plugging in one extension into another in order to plug more appliances in.
- Make sure appliances are not left plugged in overnight or when you’re not using them.
- Follow instructions for all electrical devices and follow the manufacturer’s guidance regarding chargers.
- Only purchase electricals from a trustworthy store, an approved retailer, or direct from the manufacturer, to ensure you are not buying cheap imitation goods.
- Never leave items on charge when you are sleeping, or out of the house.