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Defuse the danger electrical fire safety week25 January 2012

This week (23rd to 29th January) is Electrical Fire Safety Week and East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service (ESFRS) is warning people not to let electrical faults or the misuse of electrical appliances set their world alight.

Shocking statistics show that half of all accidental house fires in 2010/11 in the UK were caused by faulty or misused electrical equipment.

From faulty fridges and unattended irons to dodgy plugs and wiring, electrical equipment can be a potential fire hazard in the home. Also, with the recent cold weather, sockets could be overloaded with space heaters and electric blankets.

The Fire Kills campaign and ESFRS have joined forces with the Electrical Safety Council to make sure people know the risks and take care with electricity in their homes.

In 2010, accidental electrical fires in the home resulted in nearly 40 deaths across the country and East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service are working hard to bring this number down. However, every individual can take steps to help themselves by checking the electrical equipment they use every day is in good shape and is operated properly.

Steve Wright, Head of Community Safety for ESFRS, said:

"Electrical equipment is an integral part of all our lives, from essentials like heating and lights to luxuries like entertainment systems or beauty products. Half of all accidental fires involve an electrical appliance, so it's really important to be sure that your electrics are in good working order and are used properly.

"Fire in the home can be devastating, but many fires are preventable. By following some simple steps, you can help keep you and your loved ones safe from fire.

• 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.

"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.

"Ensure you have a working smoke alarm installed on all levels of your home. A working alarm can give you the vital time needed to escape in a fire. Test your smoke alarms regularly and never remove batteries to power other devices. Remember, if a fire breaks out always get out, stay out and call the fire service out.

"East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service highlights safety messages from real fires through its Black Museum which is sponsored by the Electrical Fire Safety Council. This site has links to product recall information, where you can search to see if any items within your home are subject to any product recalls, including risk from fire."

You or someone you know may be eligible for a free home fire safety visit, which may include ten-year smoke alarms being fitted free of charge.

If you know of anyone who may be vulnerable from the risk of fire in the home, an elderly neighbour for example, and would like to arrange a home safety visit, please call the ESFRS Community Safety Team on 0800 177 7069.

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