This winter, see a fire before it starts

Every year, as temperatures drop, we see a significant increase in the number of house fires. Winter brings a unique set of fire dangers that you need to be aware of. Follow these fire simple safety tips to help keep you, your whanau or flatmates safe, no matter the season.

	Electric heaters Electric heaters include oil heaters and fan heaters Heaters have at least a metre of clear space surrounding them while in use Heaters are plugged directly into a wall socket Clothing and other items are not left to dry on top of heaters
	LPG gas heater If the heater doesn’t light straight away, turn it off then try again. Don't let the gas build up before trying to relight it Heaters have at least a metre of clear space surrounding them while in use Gas hose shows no sign of damage or wear Fresh air is coming into the house while the heater is in use Has been serviced within the last 12 months Clothing and other items are not left to dry on top of heaters
	Clothes dryers Don't install a smoke alarm in your laundry, as you might get false alarms. Try a heat alarm instead. The lint filter is cleaned before every use, to avoid lint build-up and risk of fire The dryer isn’t overloaded There is space around the dryer to allow for proper venting The full cycle is used, including cool down
	Indoor fires Pop a reminder in your calendar to get your fireplace cleaned before you light the first fire of the season The chimney flue has been cleaned in the last year A fireguard or spark guard is always used when the fire is lit Matches and lighters are kept out of reach of children
	Hot ashes Did you know: ashes can take up to 5 days to cool completely Ashes are left to cool before disposing of them Water is poured over hot ashes in a metal bin Ashes/ashtray are emptied into a metal bin
	Electric blankets Check for hotspots in your blanket by turning it on high for 15 mins, then switching it off and running your hand over the blanket Have checked for hotspots before use Are less than 5 years old Are rolled during storage, not folded Are always turned off before going to sleep Cords and controls are not twisted, and the blanket lies flat on the bed Heavy objects are never placed on the bed while electric blanket is in use
	Batteries, chargers & multi-plugs Heat-generating devices include anything that produces heat when in use, even small appliances like hairdryers and toasters One multi plug is used per heat-generating device Chargers and cords are not damaged, modified or used with incompatible devices Devices with lithium batteries are not used or charged after being dropped of damaged Electrical cords aren’t frayed, damaged or modified Electrical cords aren't coiled, or underneath carpet or bedding Charging takes place on a hard, flat surface

Other fire safety tips to remember:

• Fire moves incredibly fast – a house fire can kill within three minutes. Keep your smoke alarms in working order by pressing the button to check.
• Make a household escape plan so you can get out safely during a fire. Always keep keys in deadlocks on doors and windows.
• Don’t leave the room when cooking. If you need to, remember to switch off before you walk off.