Clare Adamson MSP urges winter safety amid cost-of-living pressures

With energy bills, food prices, and everyday essentials placing increasing strain on budgets, Ms Adamson warns that cutting corners to save money, particularly on safety-related items can lead to serious risks.

“Winter can be challenging when household budgets are tight,” Ms Adamson said. “But safety should never be compromised. A few simple, low-cost actions can make a big difference in keeping you and your family safe. If something seems too cheap to be true, it probably is and may not meet proper safety standards.”

As more people turn to electric blankets, heated throws, and portable heaters to reduce central heating costs, Ms Adamson stresses the importance of using these items responsibly. She urges the public to purchase only from reputable UK retailers or trusted online sellers and to check for safety certifications such as UKCA, CE, or British Standards marks.

She also advises against buying second-hand electrical items unless they have been properly tested and certified. Portable heaters, she warns, should never be plugged into extension leads, left unattended, or placed near soft furnishings. Electric blankets and hot water bottles should be checked for damage before use, and hot water bottles should only be filled with warm not boiling water to avoid burns.

With the seasonal use of candles, fairy lights, and decorations increasing during winter, Ms Adamson highlights fire safety as another key concern. She recommends battery-operated LED candles as a safer alternative to open flames and reminds people to keep real candles away from curtains, furniture, and decorations. All candles and lights should be switched off when not in use.

Overloaded plug sockets and extension cords also pose a risk, especially when powering multiple devices. Ms Adamson warns that cheap, unbranded electrical goods bought online can be dangerous and may fail to meet UK safety standards, increasing the risk of fire or electrical failure.

For motorists, winter safety means preparing for difficult driving conditions. Ms Adamson encourages drivers to carry essential items in their vehicles, including a warm blanket, ice scraper, de-icer, torch, snacks, water, and a phone charger or portable power bank. Regular checks on tyres, wipers, and lights are also essential to ensure vehicles are road-safe in colder conditions.

She also urges caution when buying car heaters, jump starters, or other vehicle accessories online, noting that counterfeit or unregulated products can pose serious safety risks.

Ms Adamson is particularly concerned about the growing number of unsafe and counterfeit products available online, including heating devices, carbon monoxide alarms, and toys marketed for children. She advises consumers to look out for red flags, such as missing safety markings, vague manufacturer details, poor-quality instructions, or prices that seem unusually low. She also recommends registering new appliances with the manufacturer to receive safety updates or recall notices.

Importantly, Ms Adamson emphasises that winter safety doesn’t need to come at a high cost. Testing smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, using draught excluders to retain heat, and clearing ice, leaves, or clutter from outdoor paths are all effective and affordable ways to improve household safety. She also encourages checking in on elderly or vulnerable neighbours during cold snaps to ensure they have what they need.

Ms Adamson points to organisations like RoSPA, Trading Standards, and Citizens Advice, which offer free or low-cost guidance and safety resources. Promoting awareness of these services is part of her wider commitment to reducing accidents and improving public safety.

As Convenor of the Scottish Parliament’s Cross Party Group on Accident Prevention and Safety Awareness, she continues to advocate for accessible safety advice and support throughout the year.

“I’m urging families to prepare wisely for winter,” Ms Adamson said. “By making informed choices, checking for safety certifications, and taking simple precautions, we can all stay safe without adding financial pressure.”