The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has launched a hard hitting new advert highlighting the dangers of white goods fires. The 30 second clip shows a household washing machine blaze.
The Service is driving this safety message as new statistics reveal that fire crews were called to 327 white goods fires during 2018:
- 121 washing machine fires
- 111 tumble dryer fires
- 53 fridge freezer fires
- 33 dishwasher fires
- 5 washer dryer fires
- 4 spin dryer fires
Deputy Chief Officer David McGowan is the SFRS Director of Prevention & Protection, he said:
“We have taken this step because the public needs to be aware of the potential dangers posed by the unsafe use of white goods. People may not associate white goods such as washing machines and tumble dryers with fire but we responded to 327 white goods fires last year alone – that is why we are launching this campaign. We know that the Scottish public has a high awareness of the traditional causes of fire in the home. Cooking, smoking and alcohol are all factors which have been deservedly highlighted, but the risk of fire from white goods is also one which we all face. This campaign sets out to highlight not only the risk of fire but simple steps you can take to significantly reduce that risk to yourself, your family and all that is important to you.”
DCO McGowan added:
“These new figures show that house fires involving white goods happen every week. Our message is clear. Use your white goods safely. Don’t risk it, If you’re out or asleep, it’s just not on. The SFRS is working closely with partners including Scottish Government, Safer Communities, Trading Standards Scotland and Electrical Safety First. Together we have a common aim – to reduce the number and the impact of white goods fires.”
The campaign will see safety adverts and features appearing across press, radio and television in Scotland. To coincide with the campaign the Service is also launching two new social media channels offering helpful safety tips and advice:
The campaign has the following top safety advice and tips:
1. IF YOU’RE ASLEEP, IT’S JUST NOT ON
Keep everyone and everything important to you safe. Don’t leave appliances such as dishwashers, tumble dryers and washing machines running while you’re sleeping.
2. IF YOU’RE OUT, IT’S JUST NOT ON
Leaving appliances such as dishwashers, tumble dryers and washing machines on when you are out of the house leaves your home at unnecessary risk. If you’re not in, make sure your appliances are switched off.
3. REGISTER YOUR WHITE GOODS
It only takes a few minutes on www.registermyappliance.org.uk to register the large appliances we rely on every day to handle essential chores, chill food and cook for our families. In a small number of cases, manufacturers may identify problems with a model once the product has been in use for some time. They then need to contact owners to get the fault corrected as quickly as possible. Registering your appliances makes sure you’ll know if a safety issue is identified.
4. PRODUCT RECALLS
Look out for product recalls. Manufacturers may, on occasion, issue product recall notices for electrical appliances where the product could affect the safety of the user / consumer. Simply check out the list of products recalled on the Electrical Safety First website (click here) to find out if your product is listed as a recall item. There is also a section which explains what to do with your recalled product. You can also keep up to date with all the latest product recalls by following the new SFRS Your Safety social media channels.
SFRS offer a free Home Fire Safety Visit service. The visits only take around 20 minutes and help householders spot possible fire hazards and make sure that their home is safer.
To request a free home fire safety visit for you or someone you know, call 0800 0731 999 or text FIRE to 80800 or visit www.firescotland.gov.uk
