Check your appliances on Electrical Fire Safety Week

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Tuesday, 15 November 2022 10:15

Avon Fire & Rescue Service (AF&RS) issue timely reminder to check your electrical appliances this winter, as Electrical Fire Safety Week (14-20 November) launches and residents are reminded to Register My Appliance.

Nikki Rice, Risk Reduction Manager at AF&RS said: “Awareness campaigns like these are vitally important for helping spread our safety messaging and ultimately, keep local people safe.

 

“This year in particular, with the cost of living rising, we want to remind people to consider what risks they could be taking in an attempt to save money, and offer safer suggestions on ways to cut costs.”

Electrical Fire Safety Week, led by Electrical Safety First and the Home Office, aims to raise awareness of the dangers of electrical fires. The focus this year is on electric heaters, which many people turn to for warmth during the colder months.

Electric heaters can be a good source of warmth, but when heater fires occur, they can be devastating.

 If you’re considering using an electric heater this year:

  • Ensure they are purchased from a reputable retailer
  • Check that it is free of damage before use
  • Never leave heaters on unattended or overnight
  • Keep heaters well away from flammable fabrics
  • Don’t plug your heater into an extension lead

Meanwhile, the Association of Manufacturers of Domestic Appliance’s (AMDEA) are encouraging residents to visit Register My Appliance, a useful tool to check if household appliances are affected by product recall. Local people are encouraged to use the website to easily register household products directly with them.

Most manufacturers accept registrations of products up to 12 years old and by registering you can access safety information and care tips for your appliance. You can also set up notifications so that you’ll be contacted if your appliance is affected by a product recall now or in the future. 

Remember, for personalised home fire safety advice unique to your home, take our short Home Fire Safety Check today for instant safety advice.

Pictured: A washing machine affected by fire.