Fire safety
It’s not only electrical faults that start fires, human error is often to blame. Whether it’s a badly wired plug or an iron left on – we all need to take more care. In 2007, the number of reported fires in UK homes started by accident was over 43,000. Of these, 19% were caused by electrical faults while a further 25% were caused by people not using electrical equipment and appliances properly.
And only a quarter of all fires in homes are reported to the Fire and Rescue Service, according to a recent Government survey.
We use electricity every day. Don’t take it for granted. It can be dangerous. Treat it with respect and follow these simple do’s and don’ts:
Do
- Check the condition of your wiring – This should be done when you move into a new home and then once every 10 years. It’s the landlord’s responsibility if you rent your home. Ask to see a copy of the certificate or report confirming that the electrics meet the UK national standard BS 7671 (Requirements for Electrical Installations).
- Check your sockets regularly – if you see burn marks or they feel hot, get a registered electrician to check them.
- Turn off any electrical equipment you are not using – especially at night, when a fire can spread quickly while you sleep.
- Regularly check flexible cables on kettles and other similar appliances – look for signs of fraying, general wear and tear, or a loose plug. Do this before you plug anything in.
- Be careful when using hand-held electrical equipment – make sure you switch off and unplug when you have finished. This is important with items that get hot, for instance hairdryers or curling tongs, as they may come into contact with materials that can catch fire (like curtains).
- Check the current rating of an electrical adaptor before you plug appliances in – make sure that the total current used does not exceed the adaptor’s rating.
Don't
- Overload any adaptor or socket – especially with appliances that have a high electrical current such as kettles, irons or heaters. It’s safer to have extra sockets installed if needed.
- Put electric heaters near curtains or furniture – or dry clothes on them.
- Cover the air vents on storage heaters or fan heaters.
- Trail flexible cables under carpets or rugs.
- Exceed the wattage of the light fitting or lampshade with the bulb you use.
Top tips from the Communities & Local Government
- Install a smoke alarm on every level of your home and test it weekly.
- Don’t overload plug sockets.
- Keep electrical appliances clean and in good working order.
- Most fires start in the kitchen, so never leave cooking unattended.
- Stub cigarettes out and dispose of them carefully. 'Put them out – right out.'
- Make candles safe and secure in proper holders and away from materials that might catch fire – like curtains.
- In the event of a fire you should 'Get Out, Stay Out, Call 999'.
In the kitchen
Nearly 13,000 fires start each year in the kitchen1. These accidents, caused mainly by people misusing electrical cooking equipment like microwaves, could easily be avoided.
Here are some simple suggestions to reduce the risks of fire- Don’t let leads from kettles, toasters or similar, trail across your cooker.
- Never dry towels on, or near, the cooker.
- Don’t let fat and grease build up, especially in the cooker’s grill pan, as it can catch fire easily.
- Make sure you turn the cooker off when you have finished.
1 Data supplied to ESC by the Department of Communities and Local Government, 11/02/10
You are half as likely to die in a house fire if you have a working smoke alarm. If a fire starts in your home, a smoke alarm gives you the time to get out.Modern alarms are neat and tidy, cost around £10 and are easy to fit. You may find your local Fire and Rescue service may install one for you, for free, as part of a free home fire risk check.
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