Warning to householders

THE Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents is warning householders after two incidents in the area last week in which people were injured during fires at their homes caused by electrical appliances.

Jo Bullock from RoSPA said: “Sadly, fires that begin in domestic electrical appliances claim lives and cause injuries each year. Across the UK in 2008, 20 people were killed and more than 850 injured in house fires in which an electrical appliance was the source of ignition. A further 44 people were killed and more than 4,600 injured in fires in which a cooking appliance was the source of ignition. It’s really important to only ever use household appliances in accordance with the instructions and to look out for any faults or signs of wear and tear, such as fraying leads. If you have any concerns about how an appliance is working, stop using it and get it checked out. Having a working smoke alarm – preferably one that is wired into your home’s mains electricity or one that has a 10-year battery – is also crucial.”