Electricity is a major cause of accidental fires in UK homes. Take a look at our safety advice to reduce your risk:

• Unplug electrical appliances and chargers when you’re not using them and when you go out or go to bed;
• Look out for signs of dangerous or loose wiring e.g. scorch marks, hot plugs and sockets, flickering lights, fuses that blow or circuit breakers that trip for no obvious reason;
• Keep appliances clean and in good working order e.g. regularly remove lint from tumble dryer filters;
• Don’t overload sockets  – keep to one per socket;
• Always use a charger supplied with the device or recommended by the manufacturer – using any charger other than the one intended for the battery can increase the risk of damage;
• Avoid placing phones or other electric devices under pillows or blankets whilst charging;
• Avoid overcharging your batteries;
• If you own an electric bike or scooter, do not try to add extra batteries to try to make it go faster – this could result in a fire.

The popularity of e-scooters and e-bikes is increasing and with it comes a corresponding fire safety concern associated with their charging and storage.

Lithium-ion batteries, similar to the technology in our mobile phones, are used to power many of these new modes of urban transport. If these and associated charging equipment are substandard, damaged or misused then there is a risk of the batteries overheating. This may lead to an unusually intense fire that can give off toxic gases and large amounts of smoke with very little prior warning.

Please read the links below which give more information about how you can safely purchase an e-scooter or e-cycle (e-bike).  They also include recommendations about safe storage and charging, how to dispose of batteries responsibly and the warning signs for fire risk and what to do.

• E-scooter – Battery safety for users – GOV.UK
• E-cycle – Battery safety for users – GOV.UK

Remember lithium battery packs can cause serious fires, particularly if they are of poor quality, damaged or improperly used.

Read more about e-scooter and e-bike safety or watch the video below.

In the event of an e-bike, e-scooter or lithium-ion battery fire, do not attempt to put it out. Get out, stay out and call 999.

Tumble Dryers and Washing Machines

Tumble dryers and washing machines are electrical appliances that many people have in their homes. However, it is important to keep your machines clean and in good working order. Otherwise, excess lint or fluff can build up over time and cause a fire.

To make sure your tumble dryers and washing machines are safe, regularly check for these warning signs:

• A burning smell;
• Clothes and textiles taking longer to dry;
• Dried items feeling hotter at the end of the cycle;
• And, the external vent flap staying shut whilst the dryer is on.

Follow these safety tips to reduce fire risks caused by tumble dryers and washing machines:

• Clean the lint and fluff off the filter in your dryer after every use;
• Never leave your appliance unattended or running overnight;
• Don’t put fabrics or materials in your tumble dryer if they have been used to soak up flammable liquids;
• Make sure your dryer is well-ventilated. Make sure that the vent pipe is not blocked or crushed in any way;
• Never cover the vent or other openings. Only use recommended vent pipes and not improvised ones;
• Have your tumble dryer serviced regularly by a qualified engineer.

In line with the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service strongly recommends that people who own appliances that are subject to product recalls do not use them.

To find out if you have a product that is subject to recall, visit www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/product-recalls/