This month’s column from the fire and rescue service highlights the danger of cheap and faulty phone and tablet chargers.

Each year in the UK 1.8â??million chargers are bought online by mobile phone owners in search of a bargain.

Although it’s often cheaper to buy imported, unofficial chargers, the cost can be much greater in the long run...

Many people are putting their lives and their families’ lives at risk by charging their mobile phones in bed, with faulty or cheap chargers or leaving them to charge overnight in an unsafe manner.

A high percentage of us charge our phone or tablet on our bed or even under our pillows. This is an extremely dangerous practice, the heat generated cannot dissipate and the charger will become hotter and hotter.

The likely result is that pillows will catch fire - thus placing yourself and anyone else in the property in great danger. Best practice is that phone chargers should not be left switched on overnight.

However, if it is necessary to charge your phone up overnight, many of us do, ensure the charger and phone are compatible, are not placed under pillows, on beds or on paper or magazines. In other words, not on, or near to, anything that could easily catch fire.

Fake mobile phone chargers are often made with poor quality components that fail to meet UK safety regulations. This means they can cause injury, electric shocks and even fires.

Faults on chargers should also be looked out for. They get a lot of use and usually by more than one person in a household. Loose wires etc can cause the charger to overheat and explode. If it is faulty - replace it.

If chargers are left plugged in please ensure they are not switched on if not in use. This advice also applies to electronic cigarettes.

As always we remind you that working smoke alarms save lives. Ensure you test yours and that you have a clear escape plan in case of a fire. If you need any further advice or wish to book a Free Home Safety Visit, please call us on 647303.