Warning about charging mobile phones under your pillow

Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue is reminding parents to check where their kids are charging their mobile phones at night, after new research shows 53 per cent of youngsters charge their phone or tablet on their bed or under their pillow- potentially causing sheets to set fire.
By The Newsroom
Published 16th Aug 2016, 13:12 BST
Updated 16th Aug 2016, 15:14 BST
Fire caused by a phone chargerFire caused by a phone charger
Fire caused by a phone charger

The research, which was carried out by charity Electrical Safety First, says that charging electrical appliances on or near beds leaves families open to the risk of a house fire.

Emma Apter, from Electrical Safety First, said: “If a device is left surrounded by bedding or under a pillow, there is nowhere for the generated heat to dissipate and it will to become hotter and hotter.

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“The heat caused by the device, combined with flammable materials, has the potential to cause fire and put property and lives in danger.”

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Shona Wright, firefighter and community fire safety manager at Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue, said: “The added danger of charging your phone at night, is that it will take you longer to notice there is a fire, putting you and your family at greater risk.

“And in severe cases, the smoke could knock you unconscious before you even wake up.

“My advice is talk to your kids and find out where they are charging their electrical devices e.g. laptop, tablet, speakers, iphone etc.

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“Try keep chargers downstairs and encourage them to re-charge after school or at tea time.

“A phone usually only takes one or hours to charge - so why not charge it when you are settled down watching the Simpsons, Dr Who or Hollyoaks for example.”

For more help or advice visit www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk or www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/lfr.