MP backs electrical safety campaign

WARRINGTON North MP Helen Jones is backing a campaign to keep elderly people safe from electrical problems.
The charity Electrical Safety First’s ‘Safer Over 65’ campaign urges people to keep an eye on older friends and neighbours during the winter months.
Electrical Safety First is encouraging people to check on the electrical safety of older family members, or neighbours, and has developed a range of tools and guides to help keep them safe in their home.
The MP said: “Many older people worry about winter heating bills, often using portable heaters and electric blankets to cut costs – but these appliances have caused a number of house fires, mainly through misuse.
“With most older people being owner-occupiers, they tend to live in homes which haven’t had an electrical safety check for many years and which often lack important electrical safety features.
“Unfortunately, we are also seeing a significant increase in age-related illnesses such as dementia, making electrical safety even more of an imperative.”
Most electrical fires are caused by simple mistakes that can easily be avoided. Electrical Safety First have produced six top tips for using portable heaters safely:
* Place the heater on a level surface, well away from anything that could knock it over.
* Make sure the heater is at least a metre away from combustible materials, such as paper, furniture or curtains. Never use it to dry clothes.
* Never leave a heater unattended when in use, or while sleeping.
* Never power a heater from an extension lead – they can easily be overloaded and cause fires and trailing leads can cause slips and trips.
* Make sure heaters are regularly inspected for damage and deterioration. If it isn’t in good condition, don’t use it.
* Avoid second hand heaters – buy from recognised and reputable manufacturers and retailers.
There is an app which allows people to do a rapid visual electrical safety check of a home, plus a range of safety guides – visit:
www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/olderpeople