Brits are being urged not to put their families at risk, with electrical fires more likely during hot weather as systems are more likely to overheat08:15, 26 May 2026Britons are being urged to double-check their smoke alarms to ensure they are in full working order as the UK swelters through another boiling hot day in this record-breaking heatwave.‌When temperatures rise, electrical systems and appliances can become overheated, putting anyone nearby at risk. Electrical safety checks - like checking your smoke alarms are in good working order - are therefore essential during the summer heat to catch any problems before they arise.‌The latest smoke alarm warnings come as the Met Office has this morning confirmed that May has claimed another temperature record, with the mercury rising to record-breaking heights on what meteorologists have described as a "tropical night" in the UK. The forecaster says the record for the highest daily minimum temperature for the month was set overnight as the temperature did not fall below 21.3C at Kenley Airfield, south London, officially making last night "tropical" in nature.‌As a result, Britons across the UK have likely turned to pedestal fans as a method of temporary cooling. But appliance repair expert at Domestic & General Ian Palmer-Smith has warned against leaving such an appliance on all night long, as doing so could increase your risk of an electrical fire."I would never recommend leaving your fan on overnight," he said. "With the hot evenings, it can be very tempting to leave it on as you sleep... if a fault occurs in the equipment while you are asleep, you are putting both yourself and your family at risk."‌Licensed electrician David Miloshev echoed Mr Palmer-Smith's comments."To prevent electric fires and dust circulation, it’d be safest to turn it off before you go to sleep," he said, adding that he would also "highly recommend checking and making sure your smoke alarm systems are in working order" as a precaution.‌Fire safety isn't the only reason to be wary of an all-night fan session this summer. According to Dr Kiran Dintyala, fans constantly circulate dust and pollen, which can trigger severe reactions for allergy and asthma sufferers.The continuous airflow can dry out a room, potentially leading to dehydration, dry eyes, sinus infections, bronchitis, and nosebleeds. Plus, if you sleep with your mouth open, that dry air is a sure-fire way to make sure you have a sore throat by morning.On top of that, Dr Dintyala noted that being blasted with cool air for hours can leave you waking up with stiff, aching muscles. “You may experience some muscle aches if you’re exposed to cold air all night," he said.‌Mattress Next Day CEO and sleep expert Martin Seeley echoed Dr Dintyala's sentiments, agreeing you should leave the fan turned off overnight, no matter how humid the summer weather gets. If you are waking up with itchy eyes, a runny nose, sneezing fits, or trouble breathing, your fan blades are likely caked in dust and blowing it right at you throughout the night."This is also recommended for those that have suffered from a poor night's sleep due to the heat, as even mild dehydration can cause you to feel even more drowsy and tired," Seeley added. He added that the constant breeze parches your nasal passages, prompting your body to overproduce mucus. This can trigger congestion, head pressure, and sinus headaches— though drinking water first thing in the morning can help. Staying hydrated is also crucial if the heat kept you awake, as even minor dehydration worsens daytime fatigue.Article continues below"If you have any pre-existing muscle pains, perhaps from working out or from improper posture whilst working at a desk, you should refrain from directing the electric fan on this area throughout the night," he said.