Free electrical fire safety events being held by Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service

Three electrical fire safety events will be held at different locations in the county next week, delivered by Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service.  

Members of the public are invited to bring along their electric blankets and portable heaters to be tested and will also be able to speak to the fire service about fire safety in the home. 

The events will also be attended by Trading Standards and Healthwatch Norfolk. This will give people the chance to find out about product safety and advice, and accessing help with health and social care. 

The electrical safety days will take place from 10.30am to 4pm each day at:  

• North Earlham Fire Station on Tuesday 5 March 
• Great Yarmouth Fire Station on Wednesday 6 March 
• King's Lynn North Fire Station on Thursday 7 March 

There is no need to book - just turn up with your electrical items.  

Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service was successful in bidding for funding from national campaigning charity Electrical Safety First to hold these events, which aim to help people stay safe in their homes.  

Cllr Margaret Dewsbury, Cabinet Member for Communities and Partnerships, said: "We are appealing to anyone who uses portable heaters and/or electric blankets to come and have them tested and to speak to our fire prevention team and their partners. This is part of our drive to help people in Norfolk stay safe at home."  

Tracey Francis, Prevention Coordinator at Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service, who made the funding bid and has organised the events, said: "Our experience shows that often people are using unsafe electrical items which could put them at risk of a fire, and we are passionate about preventing this from happening." 

Samuel Terry, Policy and Research Manager at Electrical Safety First, said: "Electrical safety risks have been exacerbated in recent years by several wider factors, including the cost-of-living crisis, rocketing inflation, and rising energy prices.  

"We are delighted to be funding projects that seek to keep people safe in their homes with a focus on tackling risks associated with electrical products, increasing the public's awareness of electrical safety, and promoting changes in behaviour." 

There are things everyone can be doing in their home to reduce the risk of fire. Some of these are:  

• Testing your smoke alarm regularly 
• Staying at least one metre from any portable heaters  
• Charging devices when you are awake, alert and around  
• Keeping tea towels and oven gloves away from gas hobs 

Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service offer free Home Fire Safety visits for people over 65 or anyone who has a disability which could make it more difficult to react to a fire.  

To book a visit for yourself, a friend or family member or to refer someone as part of your work or volunteering role, visit the Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service web pages.