Electric Fire Safety Week 2015
Hayley Burgess CFIOSH EngTech MIFireE C.BuildE MCABE MSc
Managing Director HBSC Ltd, Chartered Safety Professional. Chartered Building Engineer. IFE Registered Fire Risk Assessor
Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) are this week (Monday 9th November – Sunday 15th November) targeting those families that may overload plug sockets causing electrical fires to exercise caution at home.
Electric Fire Safety Week aims to highlight the biggest cause of accidental fires at home in Northern Ireland and NIFRS are urging homeowners to be careful when loading plug sockets with electrical equipment.
In 2014/15, there have been 616 fires across Northern Ireland which have been determined as being as a result of accidental electrical related incidents. Tragically during this time, three people have lost their lives as a result of accidental dwelling fires involving electricity. There has been an increase of 6% in the number of incidents of this nature across Northern Ireland compared to figures from last year.
Alan Walmsley, Assistant Chief Fire Officer Community Protection, Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service said: “Electrical Fire Safety Week provides a timely reminder for everyone to make sure that our homes are fire safe. No-one is immune to the danger of fire and fire does not discriminate. It can happen to any one of us and electrical appliances are a staple of modern life.
“By following some simple steps like ensuring your electrical appliances are fit for purpose and being used in the correct manner, you can help keep your loved ones safe.
“The majority of electrical fires start in the kitchen, so extra care is needed when using cooking appliances and never leave cooking unattended. Simple, common sense tasks, such as unplugging appliances when not in use, not overloading plug sockets and keeping appliances clean and in good working order all help to reduce the risk of fire.
“Make sure you have a working smoke alarm fitted, check it is working this Electrical Fire Safety Week and get into the habit of checking it every week. This life saving device will alert you to the earliest stage of a fire giving you and your family vital time to escape. Also make sure you have a fire escape plan and that everyone in the household knows how to escape safely in the event of a fire.”
Electrical Fire Safety Advice
- Don’t overload plug sockets
- Regularly check for worn or frayed wires
- Unplug appliances when not in use
- Keep Appliances clean and in good working order
- Check for British or European safety mark.
- Always check that you use the right fuse to prevent overheating
- Ensure electric blankets are safe for use and unplug before you go to bed
- Heaters should be kept clear from curtains and furniture and should never be used for drying clothes.
- Never use water on an electrical fire – pull out the plug or switch the power off if it’s safe to do so. Get out, stay out and call 999.