Keeping you and your home safe this Electrical Safety week

With winter upon and our energy bills escalating, we urge you to take advantage of the free appliance registry at Home – Register My Appliance. This service also informs you if there is ever a safety repair or a recall on your product, and it’s important to note that you don’t need proof of purchase, so you can still register if it was a second-hand purchase or gifted. Ensuring that our trusted electrical appliances are in good working order and are kept in peak condition is a sure way to make them last as long as possible, save money and keep everyone safe.

With domestic electrical white goods, such as dishwashers, tumble dryers, and fridge freezers still responsible for over half of all electrical fires in Wales, we ask for you to please read our safety tips and advice below:

1. Always buy from a reputable dealer/manufacturer and never buy second hand white goods.
2. Always register your appliance with the manufacturer so you can be notified if there’s a problem.
3. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. If you’re concerned about an appliance in your home, use Electrical Safety First online product checker to see if it has been recalled.
5. Visit www.whitegoodsafety.com for advice on using your appliances safely.

We’re experiencing an increased use of e-bikes and e-scooters, and with that comes a corresponding fire safety concern associated with their charging and storage. MAWWFRS has seen an increase in the number of e-bikes and e-scooters incidents in the past year.

If you own an e-bike or e-scooter, or are thinking about buying one, you should follow the steps below so you can enjoy these products safely and reduce the risk of fires:

• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when charging and unplug your charger when it’s finished charging.
• Charge batteries whilst you are awake and alert so if a fire should occur you can respond quickly. Don’t leave batteries to charge while you are asleep or away from the home.
• Do not cover chargers or battery packs when charging as this could lead to overheating or even a fire.
• Do not charge batteries or store your e-bike or e-scooter near combustible or flammable materials.
• Stop using your charger or battery immediately if you notice it overheating, deforming, making hissing or cracking noises, smelling, smoking or performing poorly.
• In the event of an e-bike, e-scooter, or lithium-ion battery fire – do not attempt to extinguish the fire. Get out, stay out, call 999.

Wayne Thomas, Home Fire Safety Manager said:

“A high number of fires in Mid and West Wales are caused by the misuse of electrical appliances and these can be easily prevented. A house fire can have devastating and long-term effects, not only destroying belongings and memories but also putting you and your loved ones at risk. We are urging everybody to follow our simple advice that will help them to stay safe in their homes”.

For more advice and safety tips on protecting your home from electrical fires and accidents visit:

– Electrical Safety – Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (mawwfire.gov.uk)
– E-bikes and e-scooters fire safety – Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (mawwfire.gov.uk)