Are you hitting the high street this Black Friday, or perhaps surfing the web for bargains on Cyber Monday?
This winter we are urging people across Hampshire and Isle of Wight to ensure they check that the electrical presents and devices they purchase, are certified, well-maintained and used safely.
Check that the presents and devices you are buying and bringing into your home are safe for you and your loved ones to use.
HIWFRS Assistant Director for Community Safety, Jason Avery said:
“We know that this Black Friday and over the festive period, people across Hampshire and Isle of Wight will be hitting the high streets and browsing online for those Christmas present bargains.
“Of course this includes popular products such as e-scooters and other lithium-ion battery devices. We ask that when purchasing these items you ensure that they meet UK Safety Standards, and that you know how to maintain and use them safely, by following our electrical charging guidance.
“When disposing of batteries we’d ask that you follow the advice on your local council’s website and check online to find your nearest dedicated battery and electrical recycling points.”
Charge sensibly
Over the last few years we have seen an increase in the number of fires caused by lithium-ion batteries.
This is a type of rechargeable battery which contains a lot of power for their size and are used in phones, laptops, e-cigarettes and e-scooters – everyday items you may bring into your home.
We have found that most incidents occur in the evening or early hours of the morning, after items have been used, put on charge and left unattended.
Why not charge your phones, tablets and e-cigarettes whilst you sit down and catch up on Netflix, rather than when you go to sleep at night, so you are able to respond if there is a fault with your charger sparking a fire.
We want to ensure that you are buying safe products, and are equipped with the knowledge to safely use and care for your electrical items.
Due to the chemicals inside lithium-ion batteries, it is important that they are charged, stored and disposed of responsibly.
There are lots of cheap chargers for sale online which can contain counterfeit or sub-standard parts, presenting a serious risk of causing a fire.
Charge your beloved Christmas presents and electrical items, and protect your home, with our top safety tips:
- Read the safety instructions that came with your device to ensure you are using it correctly
- Always use the charger that was provided with the device and if you need a spare or replacement, buy one from the same manufacturer
- Don’t overload your sockets
- Charge the device on a flat, solid and stable surface, away from your planned escape route
- Never charge batteries, including your mobile phone, whilst you are a asleep, so that you are able to respond quickly if a fire should occur
- Once fully charged, unplug your item
- Be extra careful if the device or charger hasn’t been used for some time
- Avoid storing, using, or charging batteries at very high or low temperatures
- Do not use if the product or battery appears physically damaged
- If a battery is not holding charge, gets hot, bulges or you hear hissing noises – unplug immediately
- Ensure you have a smoke alarm fitted on each level of your home, including the room where the battery is being charged
- If there are any signs of fire, raise the alarm immediately, get out, stay out and dial 999
Registered UK charity Electrical Safety First provide in-depth guidance on their website of how you can best check your charger is safe.
Is Santa set to deliver an e-scooter to your home?
As the number of e-scooters on our streets continues to grow, we have seen a national increase in the number of fires caused by exploding lithium-ion batteries in these vehicles.
We know that e-bikes and e-scooters are high up on children’s Christmas lists this year, so make sure you’re prepared to identify safe products in the shops and know how to use and maintain them in your home by following the tips above, and our specific e-scooter safety guidance below:
- Research the product before purchasing, ensuring you are buying from a reliable and reputable brand
- Check that the battery and charger meet UK safety standards
- Charge your e-scooter battery in an area which doesn’t block your exit – store them in a shed or garage
- Keep an eye out for product recalls or warning signs that the product may be damaged or the battery might be failing and becoming a fire risk
Safe battery disposal
Last year there were more than 700 fires in waste lorries or at recycling centres across the UK, caused by damaged batteries which had been carelessly discarded.
In July, Southampton firefighters from Hightown Fire Station worked to extract household waste from a bin lorry in Bursledon after the battery within a disposable vape had caused the contents of the vehicle to set alight.
You can find advice on how and where to dispose of batteries on your local council’s website, or you can search Recycle Your Electricals online and enter your postcode to find your nearest dedicated battery and electrical recycling points.
