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Halloween: Fire Safety

1 min read

Woman in witch hat gives candy to kids in skeleton and devil costumes at a door. Smiling man watches. Lit jack-o'-lanterns nearby.

Halloween offers a fun opportunity for both children and adults to dress up in fancy dress

costumes. Whether you buy your costume and decorations or get creative and make your own, it's important to keep yourself safe. Keep in mind these tips to ensure your Halloween isn't scary for all the wrong reasons.

Costume Safety:

Black "UKCA" and "CE" logos on a white background, separated by a thin orange line. Bold and minimalist design.

1. Choose flame-resistant materials Many Halloween costumes are made from synthetic fabrics that can ignite quickly. You should be looking out for a UKCA or CE marking and the manufacturer’s name which will mean that the outfits meet safety standards.

Two people in costumes: a pumpkin and a vampire. They're smiling under a "Happy Halloween" banner with festive decorations.

2. Avoid long trailing fabrics Where possible avoid capes, skirts, and sleeves that drag on the ground that can easily brush against candles, or open flames.

Plastic bag, cotton ball, and crumpled tissues on a red hexagonal background. Items are scattered, emphasizing waste and texture.

3. Be cautious with homemade costumes Be mindful of the materials you use when making your own costumes. If you are going to be around candles or open flames, avoid flammable items like cotton wool, tissue paper, or plastic bags.

Halloween Decorations and Open Flames

Three lit LED candles on a green background with a yellow battery above, symbolizing power source. Warm, cozy ambiance.

1. Use battery-operated candles

Instead of traditional candles in pumpkins or lanterns, go for LED alternatives. They’re safer, reusable, and just as spooky!

Hands decorate a window with black spider webs and fake spiders, creating a Halloween mood.

2. Keep decorations away from heat sources

Ensure that hanging decorations, cobwebs, and paper props are kept well away from heaters, radiators, and candles.

White smoke detector with a green checkmark symbol beside it, indicating approval or functionality.

3. Check smoke alarms

If you're hosting a party at home, make sure your smoke alarms are working properly. It’s a simple check that could save lives.

Stay in charge: Caring for your Lithium Ion Batteries

2 min read

Lithium ion batteries can be found in many devices used for work and around the home including mobile phones, tablets, laptops, fitness watches and power tools.

They allow for fast, portable recharging and are a staple of modern life. However there are some health and safety risks that we need to be mindful of when using lithium ion batteries.

The biggest risks with this type of battery is fire. In the UK, fire services are now tackling at least three lithium battery fires a day. This type of fire behaves differently from a combustion fire and can spread very quickly, burn at an extremely high temperature and can release toxic gases.

Fire caused by Li-ion batteries can also be very difficult to extinguish. When used and stored normally, Lithium-ion batteries are safe and stable. However, issues can arise when they are incorrectly stored, damaged, misused or not suitably charged.

How to make sure you are using Li-ion batteries safely:

Only use the charger you got with the device.

Do not use cheap chargers that do not carry a CE mark or have been modified. You can find the mark on your chargers.

Never leave batteries charging overnight or unattended and always unplug them once charging is complete.

Avoid charging devices in bedrooms, hallways or near soft furnishings; instead, opt for kitchens or garages equipped with working smoke detectors

Check for signs of damage before use. If the battery appears swollen or emits a strong odour, then the device should be removed from the building immediately. Do not try to use or fix the battery. Report it to your support provider.

Ensure Li-ion batteries are safely disposed of at appropriate specialist waste centres

Remember, if you think there is something wrong with your devices when they are charging. Please speak to your support provider.

Preventing Legionella in your home

1 min read

Two people cover their mouths while coughing, one in a patterned sweater and the other in a striped top, on a plain white background.

If you are lucky enough to go on holiday for a week or two this summer there is something you should do when you get home (before all the laundry!) that will reduce your risk of contracting Legionnaires Disease. Legionnaires’ disease is contracted by inhaling droplets of water which contain the Legionella bacteria. The bacteria can multiply in stagnant water for instance when you are on holiday and your taps and shower aren’t being used daily. Legionnaires disease is a potentially fatal form of pneumonia and everyone is susceptible to infection, but some people are at higher risk including:

· people over 45

· smokers and heavy drinkers

· people suffering from chronic respiratory or kidney disease, diabetes, lung and heart disease

· anyone with an impaired immune system

Shiny showerhead releasing blue water droplets, isolated on a white background.

On your return, flush the whole system for two minutes or more.

First, flush your toilet, then run the kitchen taps, and then any hand basin taps for at least two minutes and let both hot and cold water pass through. Run both hot and cold supplies for your shower, for at least two minutes before using them to clear any sitting water.

Run the showerhead into a bucket of water, or into a bath full of water, to avoid spray escaping into the room.

Symptoms of Legionnaires disease include a cough, shortness of breath, chest pain or discomfort when breathing, a high temperature, flu-like symptoms. If you think you may have contracted Legionnaires Disease please see medical attention.