Reduce your risk of an electrical fire this winter
Essex County Fire and Rescue Service is urging residents to do their research when buying and using electrical goods.
With the festive season on its way, the Service will be sharing advice on its social media channels to help residents reduce their risk of an electrical fire.
From making sure you buy genuine goods to ensuring you avoid using appliances like dishwashers and washing machines overnight, residents can take simple steps to reduce a devastating fire.
Will Newman, Head of Prevention at Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said: “We want everyone to enjoy the festive season and we’ll be sharing our electrical fire safety advice to help to keep you safe.
“Our biggest advice is for people to really research any electrical goods and chargers you are buying. All electrical goods sold in Europe will have the CE Mark which shows the item has passed the relevant safety checks for consumer use.
“Whether you’re buying from a shop, online or a second-hand item, it’s really important to check the item is legitimate and in good working order.
“It can be hard to spot fake goods sometimes but looking out for that CE Mark on the product description, packaging and the product itself will ensure the item is safe.
“We’ll be sharing our advice throughout November to help prevent electrical fires from using appliances safely, decorating your house with lights and using your everyday electrical goods safely.”
The Service’s top advice to prevent an electrical fire is:
- Make sure when buying electrical goods that you look for the CE mark that certifies it has been safety tested
- If buying second-hand electrical goods, ensure they are in a good working order
- Register your new and second-hand appliances with Register My Appliance to be the first to know of any safety recalls: registermyappliance.co.uk
- Do not use appliances like dishwashers, tumble dryers and washing machines while you’re out or in bed
- Don’t overload extension leads or adaptors, they have a limit on how many amps they can take
- Make sure all chargers, leads and plugs are in good working order before use
“And finally, make sure you have at least one working smoke alarm on every level of your home. Sometimes electrical faults happen and cause fires and we want to make sure your family, your neighbours and passers-by are alerted to the fire by smoke alarms.
“We recommend you have at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home and that you test them at least once a month. If you or someone you know hasn’t got working smoke alarms at home, please get in touch with our home fire safety team on 0300 303 0088 or online at essex-fire.gov.uk/book.”
Read Essex County Fire and Rescue Service’s electrical fire safety at: essex-fire.gov.uk/Home_Fire_Safety/Home_Safety_Advice/Electrical/
Page last updated 29 October, 2021