10 shockingly-easy ways to avoid electrical home emergencies

It’s easy to forget just how dangerous electricity is, but many people lost their lives in the development of household electricity supplies and the creation of some of our favourite appliances.

But with around 60% of all house fires involving electrical equipment and hundreds of thousands of people suffering serious injuries and dozens losing their lives in electrical accidents every year, there’s no room for complacency.

Appliances are part of our everyday lives nowadays; we don’t think twice about switching on our TVs, cleaning our clothes in washer-dryers, putting bread in the toaster, or cooking some food in the oven. But just because there is no flame does not mean there is no chance of a fire.

So how can you avoid electrical home emergencies?

• Don’t overload sockets – check our advice about overloading sockets for more information

• Keep all electrical appliances clean and well-maintained

• Service electrical appliances and your home’s electricity supply regularly – a Part P-accredited electrician should check your domestic electricity system at least once every ten years

• Do not buy ‘grey-market’ electrical goods, as they may not meet EU / UK safety standards, and check for the European and British safety marks on any electrical items you buy

• Turn electrical appliances off at the plug when they are not in use

• Use RCDs in your fuse box and when using garden tools and outdoor lighting

• Ensure you have a working smoke alarm in your home to give you advanced warning of any electrical fires

• If you notice any unusual heat from plugs and sockets, if your fusebox keeps blowing, if your lights do not work properly, or if there are any scorch marks, black patches or sootiness around plugs, get an electrician to look for problems immediately

• Check plugs and leads for signs of damage or fraying, and do not use any appliances with faulty wires

• Use the right charger for the right item, and do not leave items charging overnight or when the house is unoccupied

With these simple tips, you will keep yourself and your family safe, and also significantly reduce the likelihood of your appliances breaking down and requiring repairs.

Some of the tips could even reduce your expenditure on energy – hopefully the only shock you will receive will be when you open your electricity bill and see the savings you have made!

Sign up for a 247 Home Rescue home emergency cover service plan today and you can rest assured that, should you ever need an emergency electrical repair, our specialist, qualified contractors will be on-hand to assist you almost immediately!