How do I check to see if my fridge is plastic backed and how do I pick the right smoke alarm?

IN THE United Kingdom around 7 per cent of all house fires started by appliances are caused by fridge-freezers.

This crazy number is entirely preventable and a good smoke alarm can keep you and your family safe from harm. Here's what you need to know.

How common are fires from cooking appliances?

In 2015/16, there were around 529,000 house fires started by appliances in England, resulting in 303 fire related fatalities and 7,661 casualties, according to government figures.

Cooking appliances were the source in 50 per cent of accidental fires and 50 per cent of non-fatal casualties in 2015/16.

Around 15 per cent of blazes were caused by faulty appliances and leads, while smoking were responsible for around 7 per cent.

How can I make sure my fridge freezer is safe?

Every year, thousands of faulty appliances catch fire.

The average success rate of an electrical product recall is just 10 to 20 per cent.

It means that there are potentially millions of recalled and unsafe electrical items still being used in homes around the UK.

Charity Electrical Safety First has a register where you can check to see if your product is one of those that have been recalled since 2007.

The Hotpoint FF175BP fridge freezer which sparked the blaze has not been subject to any product recall.

However, the company is asking customers to register their details for further information, as the investigation continues. Click here for more information.

What type of smoke alarm is best for you?

There are three types of smoke alarm: ionisation, optical and heat.

Ionisation alarms detect smoke particles using a current between two electrodes.

These are more sensitive to smaller particles of smoke made by the flaming stage of fires, so you probably wouldn't want one in your kitchen as something as harmless as burnt toast can set them off.

Optical alarms contain an infrared LED which pulses a beam of light into a sensor area to check for smoke particles.

They are better at detecting larger smoke particles from slower smouldering fires but are not good in dusty areas.

Heat alarms detect an increase in temperature from a fire and are insensitive to smoke. They are best used in the kitchen or garage for example.

Mains powered alarms are more expensive but they have a lower “failure rate” than battery powered ones.

You should check your alarm every six months to make sure it is working correctly.