Shoppers across Lincolnshire are being warned about the dangers of buying some electrical items in online sales
As Christmas approaches, many people will be wanting to pay lowest possible price for their gifts.
We're being asked to consider the quality of electrical items we buy.... as shoppers in Northern Lincolnshire search for the best deal.
The warning, from Humberside Fire and Rescue, comes as shoppers are looking for a bargain in the run up to Christmas.
We asked Jonathan Clarke from the Fire Service about what people needed to keep an eye out for...
"Certainly on bigger items such as phones, laptops and e-scooters... if they're charged wrongly or overcharged, you know, they can overheat and potentially be very dangerous and cause a fire in the home.
"Some of these types of items aren't made particularly well, hence why some come so cheap, but they can overheat and cause a fire issue in the home, you know, there has been one or two locally and certainly there's been many stories nationally."
He added that people should always be purchasing from reputable dealers:
"If you're not shopping and buying from reputable dealers, you can sometimes buy something that is so cheap and it seems too good a deal to be true, and sadly it often is."
There's also a specific safety message in regards to e-scooters and e-bike owners.
With e-bikes and e-scooters using large lithium-ion batteries - which can present a risk of serious fire or explosion in certain circumstances - there's a drive to use them safely and know how to look after one.
There have been a number of fires involving lithium-ion batteries in e-bikes and e-scooters, including in conversion kits.
The Office for Product Safety and Standards recommends you follow these five steps when purchasing, using or charging your e-bike or e-scooter to reduce fire risks:
Step 1: RESEARCH – only buy an e-bike, e-scooter, charger or battery from a known seller and check any product reviews
Step 2: READ – always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for charging and using e-bikes or e-scooters
Step 3: CHECK – not all e-bike or e-scooter batteries and chargers are compatible or safe when used together. Check and only use the manufacturer’s recommended battery or charger
Step 4: CHARGE – always charge in a safe place without blocking exits and always unplug your charger when you have finished charging
Step 5: NEVER – attempt to modify or tamper with your battery
There's more safety messages and advice on the Humberside Fire and Rescue website.