Defuse the danger during electrical fire safety week
Electrical Fire Safety Week is underway and local people are reminded to take care when using electrics in their homes.
Gloucestershire Fire & Rescue Service (GFRS) has joined forces with the Fire Kills Campaign and the Electrical Safety Council to spread the fire safety message and ensure people are taking care with their appliances.
Shocking statistics 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 heaters and electric blankets.
In 2010, 60 domestic fires locally were attributed to faulty or misused electrical products.
Nationally, 40 deaths were recorded as being due to electrical fires and GFRS is working hard to bring this number down.
However, people can take steps to protect themselves by checking that the electrical equipment they use every day is in good condition and is operated properly.
They can also help by:
- Not overloading plug sockets.
- Regularly checking for worn or frayed wires.
- Unplugging appliances when not in use.
- Keeping appliances clean and in good working order.
- Consider using a Residual Current Device (RCD) - they work like a circuit breaker to protect against electric shocks and reduces the risk of electrical fires.
The Electrical Safety Council has also created a new free app for iPhone and Android phones to allow people to carry out basic visual checks around their homes to keep them and their families safe.
The app can be downloaded in the App Store or Android Market, search for "Home Electrical Safety Check" then follow the instructions to download.
Deputy Chief Fire Office, Geoff Sallis, said: "Electrical equipment is an inescapable part of all our lives, 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."
"Most electrical fires start in the kitchen, so be extra careful with cooking equipment."
"The new app created by the Electrical Safety Council is a great idea and I would encourage people to download it if they have the correct phone and software to do so."
Councillor Will Windsor-Clive, cabinet member for communities, said: "Fire in the home can be distressing for all involved but many of these fires are preventable, and by following some simple steps, you can help keep you and your loved ones safe from fire."
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.
To help keep you and your family safe from fire, Gloucestershire Fire & Rescue Service provides FREE home fire risk checks and, where necessary, free smoke alarms.
By calling 0800 180 41 40 you can arrange for a fire fighter to visit your home and offer fire safety advice specific to you and your household.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
- For more information on fire safety please visit www.direct.gov.uk/firekills or speak to your local Fire and Rescue Service, tel: 01452 753333
- For more information on the Electrical Safety Council, please visit www.esc.org.uk The website also holds information on their 'Plug Into Safety' campaign.
- A Residual Current Device (RCD) - is a life-saving device which is designed to prevent you from getting a fatal electric shock if you touch something live, such as a bare wire. It provides a level of protection that ordinary fuses or circuit-breakers cannot provide. RCD protection is particularly important when using electrical equipment outdoors.
Issued by: Lisa Bonnell, Gloucestershire County Council Media Team, 01452 425093, email: laura.biddington@gloucestershire.gov.uk
You can follow Gloucestershire Fire & Rescue Service on www.facebook.com/glosfire or www.twitter.com/glosfire You can also follow our Chief Fire Officer on www.twitter.com/glosfirechief
24th January 2012