Electricity is part of everyday life. We rely on it for everything from cooking and washing clothes to heating our homes and charging our phones.
Used incorrectly, however, electrical appliances can cause fires. Taking a few simple precautions can help protect you, your family and your home.
Take extra care when cooking
Cooking appliances are one of the biggest causes of fires in the home.
When you’re cooking:
- Don’t leave cooking unattended.
- Keep tea towels and other flammable items away from the hob.
- Don’t allow leads from kettles, toasters or other appliances to trail across the cooker.
- Don’t use the top of your cooker or microwave for storage.
- Never put metal, including foil, in a microwave.
- Regularly clean grease and fat from your cooker, hob and grill pan.
Use tumble dryers and washing machines safely
Don’t overload your tumble dryer and remember to clean the filter and remove lint regularly.
Avoid running washing machines or tumble dryers while you’re out of the house or overnight. If a fault develops, you’ll be there to notice it.
Check plugs, sockets and cables
Never use electrical equipment if you notice:
- Frayed or damaged cables
- Cracked plugs
- Scorch marks
- Buzzing or unusual noises
- Hot plugs or sockets
Don’t overload sockets or extension leads, and don’t plug one extension lead into another.
Charge devices safely
Always use the charger supplied with your device or a suitable replacement recommended by the manufacturer.
Cheap or incompatible chargers can increase the risk of overheating or fire.
You should also:
- Unplug chargers when they’re not being used.
- Avoid charging devices overnight or while you’re out.
- Don’t charge laptops, phones or other devices on beds, sofas or other soft furnishings where they can overheat.
- Stop using batteries or devices that become unusually hot, swell or appear damaged.
Do not put lithium batteries in the bin, even if they are not faulty, as they are incredibly flammable. You can recycle them in supermarkets, electrical stores or recycling centres. Lithium batteries are found in things like vapes, laptops, e-bikes and e-scooters.
Switch things off
Switch off electrical appliances when you’re not using them where appropriate, particularly before going to bed.
Portable heaters need particular care. Keep them well away from curtains, furniture, bedding and anything else that could catch fire, and never cover them.
Check for product recalls
Registering new electrical appliances means manufacturers can contact you if a safety problem or product recall is identified. You can also check whether appliances you already own have been recalled.
Get free fire safety advice
Your local fire and rescue service can provide advice about keeping your home safe from fire, including home fire safety visits.
