Unplug to unwind

Leaving small electrical devices on charge overnight has been the cause of multiple house fires in recent years, so Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) is urging people to ‘Unplug to Unwind’.

Only large appliances such as fridges are designed to be left switched on all the time, so ensuring that everything else is unplugged before you go to bed is a simple routine that could protect your home from fire.

To help reduce the risk of a fire in your home, take these simple steps:

• Make sure an electrical appliance has a British or European safety mark when you buy it.
• Only buy your electrical chargers from a reputable source.
• Never leave items on charge when you are sleeping or when you are not at home.
• Don’t overload sockets. 
• Regularly check for frayed or worn cables and wires.
• Register your appliances to receive notification of safety alerts or product recalls at www.registermyappliance.org.uk

More information about the Unplug To Unwind campaign can be found on the DWFRS website www.dwfire.org.uk/unplug-to-unwind/