Gas Safety Week may be done, but here comes a new entry: Electrical Fire Safety Week.
The event is set to begin on the 24th September and run through to 30th September.
Recent research by the Electrical Safety Council, who are behind the scheme, has found the almost half of accidental fires in the home are caused by faulty or careless use of electrical appliances. It’s believed that there’s a general lack of understanding amongst homeowners about just how dangerous electricity can be.
As a lead-up the event, the ESC is advising homeowners to:
- Carry out a visual inspection of your home, using their dedicated smartphone app.
- Ensure an RCD is installed in properties
- Don’t overload plug sockets. Use surge protectors and don’t stack up your double adaptors like building blocks!
- Check that wires aren’t frayed. If they’re frayed, they’re a danger
- Any electrical chargers you buy must be from a reputable source – dodgy chargers are a serious risk
- Keep the area around your electrical intake equipment clear of objects to stop fire risks.
- Don’t leave electrical blankets plugged in overnight
- Try not to use foreign appliances in UK sockets, unless they’ve been properly converted
They’re also carrying out a Children’s poster competition and setting up stalls in major shopping centres around the country during the week to promote the dangers of electricity to the general public.
The ESC will be setting up shop in Brighton’s Churchill Square and Gateshead’s Metro Centre where those taking part in the event will be invited to complete a giant buzz wire game, with those who can complete it fastest winning a prize. MPS and representatives from East Sussex and Tyne and Wear Rescue Services will also be on hand to talk to people about improving their electrical safety.
