Electric heater warning issued as fires can happen in 'blink of an eye'

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Experts are warning households of the potential safety risks of electric heaters as millions are choosing the device in a bid to lower energy bills.

Electrical heaters are designed to be used safely, but Electrical Safety First is concerned those with little knowledge on how to use them could put themselves in danger.The charity has issued some key safety advice to users this winter, including a warning for shoppers to buy heaters directly from reputable retailers.Electrical Safety First is urging people not to leave electric heaters turned on unattended for long periods or overnight, never to plug them into extension leads, never to dry clothes on them and to keep them well away from fabrics to ensure they do not put themselves at risk of a fire.Chief executive Lesley Rudd told PA: "Heating your home should never come at the expense of your own safety.

While portable heaters can be useful to heat a small space, they can pose a real risk to your home and your life if mistakes are made when using them."With the significant number of people set to turn to these appliances this winter, it’s vital we use them safely."The latest research was released as the charity launches a new campaign video to mark Electrical Fire Safety Week, with members of fire and rescue services recounting devastating fires they have attended caused by electric heaters .Richard Poole, crew manager at West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, said: "In the blink of an eye your property can be gone."We were walking through this home that was destroyed when a plug-in heater was accidentally knocked over.

Everything was black, everything was charred and smoke damaged. It’s heart-wrenching."Electrical Safety First’s advice on the safe use of electric heaters