Electrical fires can be caused by damaged or old appliances, faulty wiring and even misuse of electrical equipment.
Here are our top 8 electrical safety tips...
- Register your appliances. You'll be first to know of any safety repairs or recalls. You can do this through manufacturers’ websites or www.registermyappliance.org.uk.
- Don’t overload plug sockets. An extension lead or adaptor will have a limit to how many amps it can take so be careful not to overload them. Try to keep to one plug per socket.
- Check for frayed or worn cables and wires.
- Product recalls. Check if your electrical appliances have been recalled (GOV.UK)
- Be aware of the signs. Look out for fuses that blow, circuit-breakers that trip for no obvious reason and flickering lights.
- Switch off appliances at the socket when not in use. Switch them off when you go out or go to bed, unless they're designed to be left on like fridge freezers.
- Buy chargers from a reputable source. Many imported chargers don't satisfy UK safety regulations and can cause serious electric shock, injury or fire.
- Never use water on an electrical fire. Pull the plug out or switch the power off, if it's safe to. Get out, stay out and call 999.