The first Electrical Fire Safety Week kicks off today, and is aimed at raising awareness of one of the biggest causes of accidental house fires in the country.
Faulty or misused electrical products caused over 20,000 fires across the UK in 2007 with accidental electrical fires in the home resulting in 40 deaths and nearly 4,000 casualties, according to the Communities and Local Government department.
“Fire in the home can be devastating, but many of these fires are preventable,” said the government’s chief fire and rescue adviser,Sir Ken Knight. “Over half of all accidental fires begin with an electrical appliance, so it’s really important that everyone makes sure that their electrics are in good working order and are used properly.”
Sir Ken also warned people to be extra careful when using cooking appliances, as the majority of electrical fires start in the kitchen.
The campaign, which is being supported by the Electrical Safety Council and fire and rescue services around the country, urges people not to overload plug sockets, to regularly check for worn or frayed wires, to unplug appliances when not in use, and to keep appliances in good working order.
