Electrical safety warning from Wiltshire firefighters

24th January 2012, 14:28

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Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service is backing a national campaign to warn people about the risks of using electrical equipment in the home.

As part of Electrical Fire Safety Week, new national statistics have been released which show that half of all accidental house fires in 2010/11 were caused by faulty or misused electrical equipment.

From faulty fridges and abandoned irons to dodgy plugs and wiring, electrical equipment can be an unnoticed fire hazard in the home – and, with the recent cold weather, many sockets could still be overloaded with space heaters and electric blankets.

In 2010/11, there were 234 fires in Wiltshire that were caused by faulty or misused electrical products – one such fire, which started in a two-bar electric heater, led to the death of a man.

Group Manager Perry Payne, from the community safety department, said: ''Electrical equipment is a vital part of all our lives, from essentials like heating and lights to luxuries like entertainment systems and smaller things like hair styling tongs etc. Half of all accidental fires begin with an electrical appliance, so it’s really important to make sure that your electrics are in good working order. If electrical equipment is properly used, properly fused, properly wired and properly maintained then it shouldn’t present a problem.

''Most electrical fires start in the kitchen, so be extra careful with cooking equipment. Fire in the home can be devastating, but most blazes are preventable. By following some simple steps, you can help keep you and your loved ones safe.''

Safety tips include:

·  Don’t overload plug sockets.

·  Regularly check for worn or frayed wires.

·  Unplug appliances when not in use.

·  Keep appliances clean and in good working order.

·  Consider using an RCD – Residual Current Device - which works like a circuit breaker to protect against electric shocks and reduces the risk of electrical fires.

In addition, the Electrical Safety Council advises that heaters should be kept clear from curtains and furniture and should never be used for drying clothes, while your electric blanket should be unplugged before you go to bed, unless it has a thermostat for safe all-night use – and check it regularly for signs of wear.

Wiltshire FRS offers free home fire risk checks – call 0800 389 7849 to see if you qualify, or visit their website