Whangarei Area Neighbourhood Support - Winter Fire Safety Tips

Kristi Neighbourly Lead from Tikipunga

Winter is here so it's time for some winter fire safety tips!
Link: www.neighbourhoodsupport.co.nz...

Winter brings a unique set of fire dangers that you need to be aware of. Follow these fire safety tips to help keep yourself and your family safe.

- Fireplaces and Chimneys

Clean chimneys and flues before you light the first fire of the season.

Always use a fireguard or spark-guard when using an open fire.

Never throw rubbish into the fireplace – particularly batteries and aerosol cans.

Always empty ashes and ashtrays into a metal bin and pour water over them before disposal. Remember that ashes can take up to 5 days to cool.

Keep matches, lighters and anything else that can create fire out of reach of children.

​- Electric Blankets
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Replace your electric blanket every 5 years with newer heat-protected models. Worn and old electric blankets can give you an electric shock and start a fire.

At the first sign of wear, have your electric blanket checked by a qualified electrician.

Don’t place heavy objects on the bed while the blanket is on and never sleep with it on.

Make sure the blanket is always flat on the bed and that controls or cords are not twisted or caught between the mattress and the base of the bed. Twisted cords are a common cause of electric blanket fires.

Roll your blanket when you store it for the summer, don’t fold it.

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- Heaters and Clothes Dryers
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Remember the ‘one metre from the heater’ rule – always keep furniture, curtains, clothes and children at least one metre away from heaters and fireplaces.

Never cover heating appliances or store objects on top of them.

Don’t overload clothes dryers and clean the lint filter after each load cycle.

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- Portable LPG Gas Heaters
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Check to see the gas hose is in good condition and doesn’t show signs of damage or wear.

If the heater does not light straight away, turn it off and then try again. Don’t let the gas build up before trying to relight it.

Always have fresh air coming into rooms where a gas heater is in use.

Have your heater serviced every 12 months.

Want to make sure your home is fire safe? Use the fire safety checklist on the Fire and Emergency NZ website to find anything that might be putting you at risk.

For more fire safety tips at home, visit fireandemergency.nz....