23rd January 2012
Fire fighters issue warnings during Electrical Fire Safety Week
Fire fighters across the UK are urging home owners to take particular care during Electrical Fire Safety Week, which runs from January 23rd to January 29th.
The Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS) has teamed up with Fire Kills to inform consumers of how best to look after their home and avoid fire hazards.
Andy Tucker, risk manager for CFRS said: "Electrical equipment is an inescapable part of modern life, from essentials like heating and lights to luxuries like entertainment systems or beauty products. Half of all accidental fires begin with an electrical appliance, so it's really important to be sure that your electrics are in good working order and are used properly."
Homeowners are advised not to overload plug sockets as doing so could cause an electrical fire.
This is particularly true during the winter months, when people are more likely to use multiple electrical heating appliances, such as space heaters and electric blankets.
Heaters should be kept clear of curtains and furniture, and should never be used for drying clothes.
It is also important that electrical appliances are checked regularly to ensure that they are in good working order, and do not have worn or frayed wires which could be potentially hazardous.
The information comes as part of a Plug Into Safety Campaign from the Electrical Safety Council (ESC), which aims to highlight the fact that electricity is the major cause of accidental fires in UK homes.
Statistics showed that half of all accidental house fires in 2010 and 2011 were caused by faulty or misused electrical equipment.
The ESC advises households to consider using a Residual Current Device (RCD) which functions as a circuit breaker to protect against electric shocks and reduce the risk of electric fires.
Such devices are potentially lifesaving, but more than half of UK homes (13 million) do not have one.
Posted by David Leonard
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