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Smartphone app aims to uncover domestic fire risks
January 24, 2012
People are being encouraged to look around their homes and address any potential electrical hazards.
The Electrical Safety Council has launched a new smartphone app that is designed to help people identify fire risks in their own homes.
Faulty and overloaded electrical equipment can cause a fire hazard and, with nearly 40 deaths in the UK last year attributed to accidental fires caused by faulty or misused electrical products, the council is keen to highlight the dangers.
The app helps people to identify potential hazards and provides advice on how to eliminate them.
Sir Ken Knight, the government's chief fire and rescue adviser, has taken the opportunity presented by Electrical Fire Safety Week (January 23rd to 29th) to urge people to look around their homes and take care when using electricity.
He said: "Electrical equipment is an inescapable part of all our lives, from essentials like heating and lights to luxuries like entertainment systems or beauty products.
"Half of all accidental fires begin with an electrical appliance, so it's really important to be sure that your electrics are in good working order and are used properly."
Sir Ken added that people should be particularly careful when cooking, as the majority of electrical fires start in kitchens.
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