From E-bikes to heaters: Unsafe electrical items spark house fires
Each year there are 20,000 electrical fires in UK homes. Most are caused by electrical products through misuse, unnoticed damage, and low-quality items. Regional charity Groundwork Five Counties provide free advice to keep families safe and prevent devastating house fires.
The charity has added electrical safety support to its fully funded Green Doctor service, which provides energy and money-saving advice to East Midlands households through free home visits. Practical information and appointment bookings can be accessed through their website.
Green Doctor Rupal Rajani says: “Too often people put themselves in danger, not realising that their behaviour or unsuitable electrical items are a huge fire risk. A common mistake is putting portable heaters too close to furniture or curtains, these should always be at least one metre away to prevent fabric from igniting.
“Electric bikes and e-scooters can also be dangerous. Their lithium-ion batteries can catch fire from poor design, incorrect charging, or damage. Always buy a replacement battery from the original manufacturer and follow instructions. E-bike DIY conversion kits are another major cause of fire, you should never try to do this.
“We advise against buying cheap electrical items online, as often these are fake, low-quality, or not suitable for use in the UK. You should always buy from reputable sellers, either in-store or on their website.
“You should regularly check plugs, sockets and cables for signs of damage, switch off appliances before going to bed, only charge phones on hard surfaces, don’t overload sockets, and when buying items always check for UKCA, CE or British kitemarks as these confirm it meets European and UK law.”
As well as providing advice during free home visits, Rupal and her colleagues will share information at community events around the East Midlands. This starts with a special three-hour long event at Sabras Radio on Wednesday 14th January 10am – 1pm.
Rupal will discuss electrical safety and safety tips with presenter Amber during her Mid-Morning Show, and interview local people about their experiences. Sabras Radio on Melton Road in Leicester is open to the public, so people are encouraged to visit the premises and speak with Rupal live on air.
The aspect of the Green Doctor service is funded by a grant from the Electrical Safety Fund, a major annual scheme which helps those most vulnerable to electrical injuries in their homes. Run by the national campaigning charity Electrical Safety First, the fund provides £1,000,000 to support around 200 community projects across the UK which aim to reduce domestic electrical risks.
For more information about electrical safety or to get a free Green Doctor home visit, visit: https://www.groundwork.org.uk/fivecounties/green-doctor
Green Doctor Rupal Rajani giving advice during a home visit