Consumer Press Releases
Teens Living Dangerously (for teenagers)
17th August 2009
How many times do you risk your life before school
Most teenagers won’t consider the morning rush before school a life-threatening experience. Some simply roll out of bed, whilst others are up early primping and preening for the day ahead. But, in hurrying to get ready for school, many teenagers could be living dangerously, risking theirs and their family’s safety, without even realising it. So, asks the Electrical Safety Council (ESC), how many times do you risk your life before breakfast?
Be honest, have you ever…
- put the knife in the toaster whilst it’s still switched on
- turned light switches on or off with wet hands
- left hair straighteners or curling tongs switched on and unattended
- used your hairdryer or mains powered radio in the bathroom
- filled an iron or kettle up with water when it’s still plugged in
- wrapped cables around warm appliances such as an iron or hair straighteners
- placed drinks or liquids close to electrical appliances
If the answer is ‘yes’ to any of the above, then you are running the risk of an electric shock, fire and even death by electrocution.
In its bid to make teenagers more aware of the dangers surrounding electricity and how to stay safe, the Electrical Safety Council is launching a new website for 11-16 year olds - www.twothirtyvolts.org.uk. It will offer advice and tips, along with competitions, career information, essential first aid advice on what to do in an emergency and study aids.
Indeed, using everyday electrical household items, like hairdryers, kettles, toasters and radios, can be dangerous if treated without respect. All it takes is one careless mistake, which could result in electric shock, or worse. In fact, every year in the UK there are around 30 deaths and thousands of injuries caused by electrical accidents in the home.*
Water and electricity are a lethal combination, so bathrooms and kitchens can be a high risk zone, particularly if you are rushing around before school in the mornings. Always make sure you are completely dry before using any electrical equipment or switches, and never bring any mains-powered appliances such as hairdryers, speakers, radios, or game consoles into a bathroom.
Bedrooms are also buzzing with potential hazards. Leaving appliances, such as laptops, mobile phones, games consoles and TVs, on charge or standby whilst going to school can present serious dangers. Left for a long period of time, they can overheat and cause a fire. Hair straighteners should also be switched off and unplugged when not in use, and avoid wrapping the cable around them whilst they are still hot, to reduce the risk of fire.
*Government statistics indicate that 26% of reported fires in homes are caused by misuse of electrical equipment and appliances.
