How safe is your home?
An increase in electrical fires has given cause for alarm for North Warwickshire’s Area Risk Team as they examine their quarterly figures.
The cause of fires range from grills, hot plates and toasters to wiring, storage heaters and lamps. In light of recent incidents firefighters from North Warwickshire are asking people to take more care when using electrical items, especially when they have been in storage over the summer months.
Area Risk Officer, Scott Moultrie said:
“As the winter draws in more and more people will be switching on their heating, turning on their lamps, dusting down their electric heaters and warming up their electric blankets. What we are asking people to do is to look out for warning signs of dangerous wiring or faulty electrical items especially if they have been in the garage or loft for a couple of months.”
By making a few simple checks, the risk of a fire could be reduced. Dangers to look out for include:
· Plugs that get hot even though they have only been in the socket for a short length of time
· Fuses that blow for no obvious reason
· Lights flickering
· Brown scorch marks on sockets and plugs
· Any electrical appliance with an intermittent fault or that does not fully operate correctly
Scott continued:
“If you notice any of these signs you should ask a qualified electrician to check your wiring or appliances. Don’t take a chance, if in doubt get it checked - it’s not worth taking the risk!”
Once you are happy with your checks then make sure that you:
· Don’t overload sockets, use one plug per socket
· Replace any worn or frayed cables and leads
· Don’t position lights or bulbs near curtains and other fabrics
· Don’t place heaters near curtains or furnishings and never use them for drying clothes
For more information on how to keep your home safe call 01926 466282 and find out whether you are eligible for a Free Home Fire Safety Check. Alternatively you can complete an application form on-line at: http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/fireandrescue