Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) is raising awareness about the dangers of leaving small electrical devices plugged in overnight. Their Unplug to Unwind campaign highlights the significant risk this poses, as it has been identified as the cause of multiple house fires in recent years.

While large appliances such as fridges are designed for continuous use, smaller devices should be unplugged before going to bed. This simple habit can help protect your home from potential fire hazards.

Rise in Electrical Fires

DWFRS reports a worrying increase in fires involving electrical items over the past three years. Common causes include vape and mobile chargers, overloaded sockets, cheap online goods, electric fires, and faulty wiring.

Safety First: Choose Quality Products

Sarah Moore, DWFRS Safe and Well Manager, said:

“We know people will be trying to save money this winter, especially with Black Friday and in the run-up to Christmas, and it’s all too tempting to buy cheap products, but this comes with a risk. Although it can be cheaper to buy imported goods, they are often made with poor quality components that fail to meet UK safety regulations. This means they can cause injury, electric shocks and even fires.”

Moore also stressed the importance of using the correct chargers for rechargeable devices:

“So many of the devices we use now have rechargeable batteries, so it’s vital that people follow the instructions provided and only use the correct charger. If the wrong voltage goes into a battery, or it’s left plugged in beyond being fully charged, there is a danger of overheating – which can then cause fires.”

Simple Steps to Reduce Fire Risks

To help minimise the risk of an electrical fire in your home, follow these straightforward tips:

• Look for safety marks: Ensure any electrical appliance you purchase has a British or European safety mark.
• One plug per socket: Avoid overloading sockets. If you need additional outlets, use a multi-socket extension lead with an integral fuse rather than a block adaptor.
• Don’t daisy-chain extension leads: Plugging one extension lead into another creates a significant fire hazard.
• Unplug devices when not in use: Unless the appliance is designed to stay on (such as a fridge or freezer), unplug it at night or when you’re not using it.
• Use the correct charger: Always follow the manufacturer’s guidance and use the charger specified for the device. Using the wrong charger can cause internal batteries to overheat and catch fire.
• Buy from trusted sources: Always purchase from approved retailers, manufacturers, or shops you know and trust to ensure products meet safety standards.
• Don’t leave devices charging unattended: Never leave items on charge while sleeping or away from home.

By incorporating these practices into your daily routine, you can significantly reduce the risk of an electrical fire and keep your home and family safe.

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