We have seen a real improvement in the weather all over the UK over the past week. With it, has seen the expected increase in bbq's and garden parties – and of course I wouldn't be doing my job properly if I didn't tell you what fire and electrical risks I have seen in my local area around Nottingham.

Beware of fire!

A Government notion may soon see the provision of a smoke alarm a compulsory requirement in privately rented properties. A YouGov survey carried out nationwide revealed that 1 in 5 privately rented properties did not have any form of fire alarm. Did you know you are four times more likely to die in a house fire? This is because fires often go undetected, and fire alarms are the alert to warn of a potentially serious house fire.

I had to smile today at the term 'bungling' as I was reading an article on the web about trades people who create shoddy and dangerous work in peoples homes. Although the term 'bungling' might raise a few smiles, it is actually a serious situation.

If you are going away this Easter, it is worth bearing in mind that electrical safety is not just a home matter. Maintaining good electrical safety awareness is still important even when away from home. Don't take for granted that the owners of your holiday accommodation will have seen to your electrical safety needs – I have seen bed and breakfast accommodation where extension leads have been plugged into extension leads.

It is never too late to remind local people in Nottingham, Derby and Mansfield to take care when using electric blankets. Just this week in the National News an 88 year old lady from Wales died as a result of a faulty electric blanket.

I get asked on a regular basis by my customers in Nottingham and Derby how they can make their homes electrically safer. There are two ways of looking at electrical safety and that is preventative and proactive. Both are equally as good, however for optimum results, the two need to work hand in hand.

What do I mean by this?