Enfield Council is advising residents to be aware of the latest advice from the London Fire Brigade about actions you can take to check that your fridge and freezer are fire resistant and safe.
Fridges and freezers have lots of very flammable foam inside them which must be properly covered in fully fire retardant material.
There is on average one fire a day involving white goods in London. Between 2010 and 2016 there were nine fire deaths and 298 injuries as a result of fires involving white goods in the capital.
While most fridges and freezers work safely for years, they are potentially the most dangerous appliance in the home if they are involved in a blaze because they contain so many flammable materials.
They are also among the few electrical items that are always left on when you are sleeping.
We support the Fire Brigade’s push to ensure kitchen appliances are completely safe and we believe you should find out the following information about your fridge freezer – or before buying a new appliance:
1. Find out whether the back of the fridge, freezer or fridge-freezer is made from a fire resistant material
2. If you buy a second hand product, check the Government's product recall site, the manufacturer's website or Electrical Safety First's recall register
3. Once you have bought your new appliance, register it online and you will be informed if the manufacturer identifies any issues with the product you have bought.