As the number of electrical appliances in our homes continues to grow, so does the risk of home fires. Faulty or overheating electrical appliances are common causes of large home fires in New Zealand. Here are some useful tips to help you stay fire safe in your home.
Multi-boards
It's usually a good idea to use a multi-board with both surge protection and a circuit breaker for multiple plugs. Circuit breakers can protect wires from starting a fire due to an overloaded circuit drawing too many amps (amount of electrical current). Surge protectors protect your appliances from power surges. Multi-boards can overheat so don’t overload, cover or rest furniture over them. Our claims team has recently seen a rise in claims for home fires caused by multi-boards left under beds, so we recommend checking and removing any you may have there.
Wiring
If your home was built over 30 years ago and hasn't been rewired, the electrical installations may have aged. Your home's wiring may not have been designed for the number of appliances we use today, which could potentially lead to overload. Consider contacting a registered electrician to check your wiring and add additional power outlets if they’re needed.
Heat sources
When it comes to heating your home, remember the “heater metre rule”; clothing and furniture can catch fire so make sure you keep them at least 1 meter away from heaters and fireplaces. Consider swapping portable gas and bar heaters for heat pumps and low power panel heaters, which pose a lower fire risk. Cookers and stovetops are also a source of heat in the home so, if you’re cooking, make sure you don’t leave them unattended. Try to keep the area around your stovetop clean and clear. Flammable items like tea towels, curtains and oven mitts should be kept away from your hob.
Fire detection
Installing smoke alarms to detect fire in your home could help to keep you, your family and your property safe. For information on what type of alarms to install, how many you’ll need and where to install them, check out the Fire and Emergency website. If you’ve already got an alarm installed, set a reminder to regularly check that they work.
Appliances and electronics
If you’re not sure how to use an electrical item in your home, check the manufacturer’s instructions. When you’ve finished using appliances, it’s a good idea to turn them off at the main or, better still, unplug them. If you can, avoid leaving electronics and appliances running when you’re not around to keep an eye on them.
Batteries
Lithium batteries can be a fire hazard so it’s important they’re not stored in areas where they can be exposed to heat or moisture, such as in direct sunlight, or left plugged in for prolonged periods of time. Lithium batteries are common in power tools, electronics, and mobility devices and should be safely disposed of using a specific battery collection service. These collection services are often found at community centres, zero waste hubs, recycling centres, libraries, landfill and transfer stations, and some regional council offices.
Have a plan
Having a fire extinguisher in your home and knowing how to use it can help you act quickly if you need to. If you already have one, check it annually to make sure it’s in good working order. Another thing that could help you to act quickly is having an escape plan for everyone who lives in your property, including plans around pets. That way, you’ll all know what to do if a fire breaks out in your home.
Find out more about fire safety and preventing on the Fire and Emergency NZ website.