WHITE GOODS SAFETY CAMPAIGN

NYCM

 

We’ve launched a white goods safety campaign, which will run throughout May. In the last two years (during 2016 and 2017) we have attended over 60 domestic property fires which have been caused by white goods, with almost half (29 out of 66) of these involving tumble dryers. One of the key things we can all do is to register our appliances so we can be notified of repairs or recalls. The Register My appliance website allows items which are several years old to be registered and ensures you will be notified if they are recalled or require a repair. Find out more at: https://www.registermyappliance.org.uk/. We would also always recommend following the manufacturer’s instructions for safe operation of appliances and maintenance. If you’re looking to purchase some new appliances it is worth considering if that deal online is too good to be true. The counterfeit goods industry is big business and it’s easy to be taken in by cheap prices but many fake goods contain faulty or poor quality parts which could pose a risk of fire or electrocution. We would always advise buying goods from a reputable retailer. Some key safety tips for white goods include: Cleaning ovens so there isn’t a build-up of fat. Clearing out the fluff/lint tray on your tumble dryer after every use. Checking and cleaning filters on washing machines. Cleaning the rear of fridges and freezers and ensuring the drainage hole is clear. Never leaving tumble dryers or washing machines on when you go out or go to bed. Ensure that you have working smoke alarms or heat detectors Think about your bedtime routine; turn off or unplug appliances that don’t need to be left on overnight, ensure you have shut doors as this can stop fire from spreading and keep keys for doors and windows in an easily accessible place We would also recommend ensuring you have an escape route in case a fire does break out in your home. As part of our month long campaign we’ll be issuing advice and information on Twitter and Facebook and our staff will be providing advice outside white good retailers and distributing information through libraries and other locations. We’ve also set up a dedicated page on our website at http://www.northyorksfire.gov.uk/communitysafe…/…/whitegoods