• Always check that you use the right fuse to prevent overheating.
• Make sure an electrical appliance has a British or European safety mark when you buy it.
• Certain appliances, such as washing machines, should have a single plug to themselves, as they are high powered.
• Try and keep to one plug per socket.

Keep electrical appliances clean and in good working order to prevent them triggering a fire.

• Keep your eyes peeled for signs of dangerous or loose wiring such as scorch marks, hot plugs and sockets, fuses that blow or circuit-breakers that trip for no obvious reasons, or flickering lights.
• Check and replace any old cables and leads, especially if they are hidden from view – behind furniture or under carpets and mats.
• Unplugging appliances helps reduce the risk of fire.
• Unplug appliances when you’re not using them or when you go to bed.

• Always ensure that your furniture has the fire-resistant permanent label.

• Don’t leave electric blankets folded as this damages the internal wiring. Store them flat or rolled up instead.
• Unplug blankets before you get into bed, unless it has a thermostat control for safe all-night use.
• Try not to buy second hand blankets and check regularly for wear and tear.

• Try to secure heaters up against a wall to stop them falling over.
• Keep them clear from curtains and furniture and never use them for drying clothes.

Source : Directgov - © Crown Copyright.