Electrical fire safety week: protect your customers and tenants

Supported by Electrical Safety First and UK Fire and Rescue Services, this week aims to reduce the risk of electrical fires in homes and businesses across the UK.

Statistics show that over half of all accidental house fires are caused by electricity, and faulty electrical products account for nine out of ten of these fires. By staying informed and vigilant, you can help minimise the risks for your properties, keeping their homes and families safe.

Key fire safety tips 

Here are practical ways you can help prevent electrical fires in homes and workplaces: 

Recommend Certified Appliances 

We always recommend appliances that meet safety standards such as the UKCA mark. Faulty appliances are responsible for over 3,500 home fires every year. 

Encourage regular appliance checks 

Homeowners should regularly check their electrical appliances, especially in high-risk areas like kitchens. Look for signs of wear and tear and avoid overloading sockets. 

Safe charging 

Remind customers not to charge devices on soft surfaces like beds or sofas. Charging on hard, flat surfaces reduces the risk of overheating and fire. 

Warn against daisy chaining 

A single, longer extension lead is always safer than connecting several together. 

Promote working smoke and heat alarms 

Always check that properties are fitted with working smoke and heat alarms. You are 10 times more likely to die in a fire if you don’t have a working smoke alarm. 

Fire Kills: essential statistics 

• Cooking appliances are the leading cause of fires in the home. 

• Around 5 fires per day in homes are started by smoking. 

• Faulty electrical appliances cause over 3,500 fires each year. 

• Candles cause nearly 3 fires a day in homes. 

Encourage monthly smoke alarm testing 

Always remind customers to test their smoke alarms at least once a month and to replace the batteries when necessary. Advise them to avoid installing smoke alarms in kitchens and bathrooms, opting for heat alarms instead. 

By promoting these simple but effective tips, you can help safeguard your customers’ homes and properties from electrical fires. For more information, head to the Electrical Safety First website, or explore our range of smoke and heat alarms for the best protection available.