We cover news from public bodies and utility companies for UK households on power cuts, weather, water, health, safety and security. Each report includes the date and sources, with links to our guides.
A portable vehicle power unit sold on eBay as model HN-538 has been recalled because it presents a risk of electric shock and fire and fails to meet the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016.
The UK's gas distribution networks have launched a campaign aimed at 16 to 24-year-olds to raise awareness of carbon monoxide and encourage alarm ownership and annual servicing.
The Office for Product Safety and Standards has recalled a High-Power multi-function jump starter, model JX27 with AC adapter HR-1501000, sold between May 2021 and August 2022, because it presents a…
Online Home Shop has recalled two electric heated blankets sold between September 2022 and January 2023 after they were found to present a serious risk of fire and possible electric shock.
Electrical Safety First analysis of Home Office fire data records 1,140 accidental electrical fires involving white goods in England in 2023/24, about three a day, with more than half of fire and…
The Office for Product Safety and Standards has recalled the Ring RPPL360 Fast Charge Lithium Jump Starter from end users after a manufacturing fault was found that can cause a short circuit and a…
Anker has recalled its A1112 Anker 321 Power Bank (PowerCore 5K, Black), sold between 1 March 2023 and 6 June 2024, because some batteries may overheat and pose a fire risk.
The Office for Product Safety and Standards has recalled the Ring Automotive RPPL260 Fast Charge Jump Starter 260 and 9000mAH Power Bank over a potential fire risk, following an earlier recall of the…
Ring Automotive recalled its Fast Charge Jump Starter 360 in March 2023 after identifying a fault that could cause short-circuiting and overheating, and in February 2024 extended the recall to the…
The Office for Product Safety and Standards has published a recall of the black Anker 535 Power Bank (PowerCore 20K) A1366, sold in the UK via Amazon and Anker's website, because a manufacturing…
Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service has appealed to households to reduce home fire risk during the winter period, after eight house fire deaths since November 2022 and a 14% rise in incidents.
The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 came into force on 23 January 2023, introducing new requirements for multi-occupied residential buildings and implementing several Phase 1 Grenfell Tower…
South East Water has asked households, businesses, landlords and livestock keepers across its supply area to check for leaks and burst pipes as thawing snow and ice follow the first cold snap of…
Severn Trent has warned customers that a rapid rise in temperatures after the freeze could cause leaks and bursts on private pipework, and set out how households can protect, thaw and repair pipes.
The Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering has published consumer advice on frozen and burst pipes, warning that pipes can freeze in as little as six hours when temperatures fall…
Landlords in Wales must fit working carbon monoxide detectors in rented homes with gas, oil-fired or solid fuel appliances from 1 December 2022, a change delayed from 15 July 2022.
The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland has published a Gas Safe Register safety alert warning that certain GDHA gas range cookers pose a serious risk of carbon monoxide poisoning until a…
New laws on smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms took effect in Scotland and England in 2022, with different rules for rented, new build and existing homes in each nation.
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service has launched a "save safely" campaign asking households to make three fire safety checks before winter, as rising energy costs push people towards…
The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022 came into force on 1 October 2022, extending alarm duties to all rented homes in England and adding a repair and replacement…