Shop smart and stay safe with electrical gifts this festive season
06/11/2025
With Black Friday and the festive season just around the corner, many are looking for great deals on electrical items. Whilst ticking off your shopping list, we are urging everyone to be mindful when buying and using electrical items.
Whether you’re eyeing up a new games console, phone, tablet, laptop or even an e-bike or e-scooter it’s important to remember these devices contain lithium-ion batteries and need to be charged safely.
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 as well as being popular gifts for family members and friends. Most come with built in safety features to ensure they do not overheat when being charged, but they rely on the correct charging cables and adapters to work properly.”
Follow these simple tips to help keep your home safe this festive season:
- Buy electrical items from reputable retailers to ensure your items meet safety standards.
- Charge your devices while you’re awake and alert.
- Use manufacturer approved chargers and batteries.
Gareth added: “If you’re buying extra batteries or chargers, make sure they are fully compatible and the right voltage. Only charge devices and batteries when awake and at home rather than while sleeping so you can still react if needed in an emergency.”
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.”
A few small steps can make a big difference in keeping your family safe during this festive season. So, as you shop, remember to Take Charge and Be Safe.
More information can be found on our website Take Charge and Be Safe