Fire service warns Christmas shoppers – check before you click to stay fire safe
As Christmas shopping season gets underway, Essex County Fire and Rescue Service (ECFRS) is urging shoppers across Essex to remain vigilant about product safety when purchasing items online. With the increasing demand for bargains and tempting discounts on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, many may be tempted by low-cost electrical products. However, some of these items can pose serious safety risks if they are counterfeit leading to a higher chance of electrical fires.
Counterfeit or poorly made electrical products often do not meet UK safety standards and are more likely to overheat or malfunction, increasing the risk of fires in the home.
Key tips from ECFRS to ensure electrical safety:
- Buy from reputable sellers: Choose well-known retailers or trusted brands and avoid deals that seem too good to be true.
- Look for safety marks: Check your item has the UKCA or CE mark, to help confirm an item meets required safety standards.
- Examine product warnings: Many counterfeit items lack clear instructions or adequate safety warnings. Legitimate products will typically include both.
Andrea MacAlister, Head of Prevention at ECFRS said: “We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable Christmas. By taking a few extra moments to check the source and legitimacy of an item, shoppers can help reduce the risk of electrical fires and ensure their homes remain safe. Cheap or untested products may save a few pounds initially but can lead to devastating consequences.”
“We recommend you only buy electrical items from a reputable retailer. Unregulated marketplaces like eBay and Amazon can advertise products which look genuine and safe. However, it is hard to tell and therefore it's so much safer to buy from a reputable retailer.
“Purchased electrical items should always have the UKCA or CE mark on them, which means they meet the correct safety standards and if something is wrong with the item you can return it."
For more information on staying safe this Christmas, visit www.essex-fire.gov.uk/electrical
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