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Stay safe around electricity and gas this winter

[image] side illustration Claude electric blanket winter 2023

Don’t sleep on electric blanket safety

Faulty electric blankets can cause fires, so check yours for hot spots before you get it on the bed. Before you put your electric blanket on your bed, turn it on high for 15 minutes, then turn it off and run your hand over it. If there are any bits that feel unusually hot, replace it.

And make sure you always switch your electric blanket off before you get into bed.
[image] side illustration Claude heaters winter 2023

Heat up, chill out

Heaters can help you stay toasty, but there are a few simple rules for using them safely: make sure there's always a metre of space around them, never put anything over them, and plug them straight into the wall, not into multiboards.

When you're done with your heater, don't forget to switch it off.
[image] side illustration Claude gas appliances winter 2023

Leave gas to the experts

Any repair, maintenance or installation of gas appliances needs to be done by a licensed gasfitter. Don't even consider doing it yourself – DIYing anything with gas is not only unsafe, it’s against the law.

If you ever smell gas inside, don’t muck around. Immediately get everyone outdoors and call 111, or your gas supplier.
[image] Energy Safety evergreen 2023 - powerboards - side image

Use powerboards safely

Powerboards aren’t an invitation to plug in as many appliances as you can – overloaded powerboards can cause electrical fires.

  • Set up powerboards where you won’t stand or drop anything on them.
  • Check your powerboards for any signs of damage. Loose parts, scorch marks or discoloration, or a rattle when you shake it mean it’s not safe to use any more.
  • Powerboards should be used with low-current devices like TVs, stereos, or computer monitors. Some appliances draw a lot of electricity and should never be plugged into multiboards, including irons, heaters, dehumidifiers, washing machines, stoves, jugs.

  • Turn electric blankets off before bed

    Don’t sleep on electric blanket safety – make sure you turn it off before you go to bed.

  • Get your gas appliances installed safely

    Any repair, maintenance, or installation of gas appliances needs to be done by a licensed gasfitter – DIYing anything with gas is not only unsafe – it’s against the law.

  • Don't overload your powerboard

    Powerboards aren’t an invitation to plug in as many appliances as you can. Make sure you use powerboards safely.

Download and share our safety checklist

[image] thumbnail energy safety checklist winter 2023

Winter safety checklist

File type: PDF / File size: 96 KB

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