Stay safe when shopping for electrical items this festive season

29/11/2024

As Black Friday and the holiday season approach, many are looking for the best deals on electrical items. We are urging residents to continue to Take Care and Be Safe while looking for Black Friday deals and presents that require batteries.

You can help keep yourself and your family safe by following a few simple safety measures, including ensuring to buy electrical items from reputable dealers, being awake and at home when using and charging devices and adding safety to your bedtime routine. 

Station Commander Gareth Boyd, Community Risk Manager at the Service, said: "Electrical devices are a key part of everyday life and are often bought in Black Friday deals and as presents for family members and friends. Games consoles with controllers, tablets, laptops and e-bikes and e-scooters are on lots of people’s present list. All these items require charging as they contain lithium-ion batteries.

"Most devices come with failsafe features to ensure they do not overheat when being charged, but rely on the manufacturers' provided charging cables and adapters to work. Also, using the plug and cables supplied with the product rather than cheaper versions will help charge devices safely."

The Service is reminding people to Take Charge and Be Safe, not only when charging their devices, but also when planning on purchasing devices and presents.

Gareth added: "People can follow some simple tips to help keep them and their families safe. Most new items come with a suitable battery and charger, however if you are looking to purchase additional ones then make sure they are the right voltage and are fully compatible. Other things like charging a mobile phone while you are awake and alert, rather than while sleeping, means the device won’t be overcharged and risk overheating the battery. This can be the same for any device."

Gareth concluded: "We are encouraging people to plan a good bedtime routine including things like making sure electrical sockets are switched off, all internal doors are closed, any candles or heating appliances are off and hallways and stairs are kept clear of obstructions. This will not only help prevent a fire from happening but also ensure an easy escape if one does."

More information can be found in our community safety section.