A North East housing provider is holding its first electrical safety awareness campaign in the week that staff have a date in Westminster.

This week County Durham-based believe housing is sharing potentially life-saving advice with customers in its 18,200 homes during its first Electrical Safety Week.

The association is highlighting the dangers of overloading plug sockets as well as the risks associated with Christmas lights and electrical heaters.

It comes as comes as believe housing's electrical manager, Mark Fort, and director of property repairs, Rachel Cox, attend an event at the House of Commons today Wednesday (November 16).

The Northern Echo: believe housing's electrical manager, Mark Fortbelieve housing's electrical manager, Mark Fort (Image: believe housing)

The parliamentary reception will celebrate ten years of the Electrical Safety Roundtable (ESR) and bring together MPs, Lords, civil servants and industry peers to discuss ‘enhancing electrical safety standards in the UK’.

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Nik Turner, an executive director at believe housing, said: “Our number one priority is to keep colleagues and customers safe.

The Northern Echo: The aftermath of a heating fireThe aftermath of a heating fire (Image: believe housing)

“We know times are tough and people might be looking for cheaper ways to heat their home.

“With Christmas around the corner, many people will be plugging in fairy lights and buying electrical gifts.

“If our customers have any concerns regarding the electrics in their homes, we ask that they contact us so we can ensure they remain safe.

“We hope this awareness campaign highlights some of the easy mistakes people make when using the electricity in their home or even purchasing electrical items; we want our customers to be informed.

“We’re reminding customers not to make decisions that could put themselves and loved ones at risk, with useful advice on our website and social media.

“Most importantly we urge any customer who is struggling this winter to get in touch with us for help.”

The Northern Echo: Damage caused by an electrial fireDamage caused by an electrial fire (Image: believe housing)

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