Did you know that more than half of all accidental house fires start in the kitchen? Government statistics show that the largest number of accidental reported fires caused by electricity in the home is due to people misusing electrical cooking appliances.

Here are some top tips to keep in mind to help you and your family stay safe:

• Don’t leave your electrical appliances like dishwashers or washing machines running when you are leaving your home
• Visually inspect your appliances with flexible leads, such as kettles and toasters, are in good condition and not hanging over your hob
• Don’t try to repair an appliance when is still plugged in
• Make sure you test your interconnected smoke detectors and heat detector monthly and they’re fully functional
• Check that your plug sockets are not overloaded with too many electrical appliances as this can lead to overheating
• Avoid storing objects on top of appliances like the microwaves, as this can block the ventilation holes
• Make sure your cooker isolator switch is accessible so you don’t have to lean over the cooker itself to switch it off

We are really trying to promote the importance of visually inspecting your electrics around the home or your loved ones who can't do it themselves. By adding these little checks to your routine you are helping protect your home and family from any electrical dangers and potential fires. If you're unsure of what to look for then check out the NICEIC's safety check video with their top checks

NICEIC - Safety Checks

For further information visit the Electrical Safety First website. Or contact Tectonic if you have any concerns or need some advice from our electrical engineers, we are here to help.