Risky Business
Are you in the habit of switching on your washing machine or dishwasher before you go to bed? Here's just one reason why you might want to think about changing your night-time routine…
Prevention
Every week in Scotland, two families experience a fire in their home due to a faulty washing machine or dishwasher, while electrical problems with TV's result in one house fire every fortnight.
Most people think fire can't touch them, but the reality is that there are hidden risks associated with leaving electrical appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines and tumble driers running while unattended or out of the home.
The risks are naturally heightened when people are asleep and unable to quickly respond if fire breaks out.
Of course we can't always know when a TV or washing machine has a fault, but we can minimise the risks to ourselves, our families and our properties by ensuring that electrical appliances are switched off at the mains when not in use or are left unattended.
A new television advertising campaign, entitled Back to the Start, has been launched to make people more aware of the potential causes of fire in the home in a bid help reduce the number of fires and resulting injuries in Scotland.
So the next time you press start on your washing machine before going to bed, or leave your television on standby when you're popping out to the shops, remember that electrical appliances can - and do - cause fires, and make sure your home is properly protected with working smoke alarms.
For further advice or to request a visit from your local Fire & Rescue service, click here…
