Expert tips on how to ensure your house is safe while you are away

Overheating is one of the main causes of fires involving electrical goods, and can be avoided by simply switching off the power at the wall socket and unplugging the appliance.

"I definitely recommend going from room to room and methodically turning off and unplugging appliances that will not be in use while you are away,"

said Anamika Priyadarshi, Retail and Marketing Manager for Better Life.

Heat emitting appliances such as heaters, transformers and clothes dryers could lead to a fire caused by ignition of a nearby combustible material.

"Another major cause of fires involving household appliances is when moisture comes in to contact with electrics, so appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines, hot water heaters and outdoor appliances, for example, pose considerable risk and should be cleaned out and switched off," said Priyadarshi.

Older appliances, lacking today's sophisticated technology pose more of a risk, like refrigerators for example, Priyadarshi explains:

"Old refrigerators sometimes have a plastic tray embedded with elements to evaporate defrosted water. If the drain valve becomes blocked the tray overheats and over a long period of time can start to crack and expose the elements. When the blockage clears, water fills the tray resulting in a short circuit and fire can occur because of the exposed elements."

Televisions, computers, microwaves and stereos usually have a 'standby mode' meaning the appliance is still using power even when it is switched off, so it's good practice to switch these off at the wall.

Better Life has experienced consistent year-on-year growth since its inception in 2003. Now with seven stores across the UAE and Oman, Better Life's unique concept of providing consumers with a specialised retail experience has become a preferred choice for those shopping for the finer things in life.

Part of the Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group, Better Life are the distributors for a range of internationally acclaimed brands including Siemens, Electrolux and Fisher & Paykel, all of whom have a reputation for innovative household appliances that are developed with technology, design, user friendliness and environmental awareness in mind.