A plug sparked an emergency incident at a Crawley home, prompting a warning from the fire service.
This happened at 5pm on October 26, at a house on Shackleton Road, Tilgate, when the resident heard a loud bang from a plug socket.
On inspection, the plug socket adaptor and connected plugs were found to be blackened, suggesting possible overheating.
The resident acted swiftly, disconnecting the adaptor from the wall and contacting emergency services.
Fire crews arrived promptly to assess the situation, finding no fire as a result of the overheating and no injuries either.
The West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service (WSFRS) praised the resident's quick thinking and offered a free Safe & Well Visit, which helps identify risks in homes.
Crawley Fire Station Manager James McGrath said: "I urge all residents to remain vigilant about electrical safety.
"Signs of damage or overheating, unusual sounds, or smells from sockets and appliances should be treated seriously, and professional advice should be sought.
"Always check that your plugs and adapters have been manufactured to British safety standards and only purchase them from reputable sources. Using substandard products poses a serious fire risk.
Read more:
- Updates as crews attend house fire
- Fire breaks out on 33,000-ton cargo vessel
- West Sussex firefighters honoured at awards ceremony
"Ensure you have working smoke alarms on every level of your home and test them regularly.
"In the event of a fire in your home, always get out, stay out, and call 999."
The WSFRS also advises regularly checking plugs and plug wires for damage.
Look for cracks or damage on the casing, signs of overheating, such as discoloured casing or cables, or scorch marks around a socket or plug or on an appliance.
Be aware if there is a smell of hot plastic or burning near an appliance or socket.
Check appliances if fuses blow or circuit-breakers trip for no obvious reason.
The WSFRS further advises ensuring all plugs meet British Standard BS 1363, which will be marked on the back.
The public can find further guidance on electrical safety in the home on the WSFRS website.
This incident highlights the potential dangers of electrical items in homes, with residents urged to be extra cautious this winter.
Share