Living
February 2019
Did you know that one in six house fires start in the bedroom? Scary – considering it can take as little as 30 seconds for a small flame to become an out of control fire.
Use the checklist below to keep your bedrooms safe from a fire.
Install smoke detectors
- Photoelectric smoke alarms are best as they are more likely to detect fires quicker than most other smoke alarms.
- Install them in every bedroom.
- If it’s not possible to install one in every room, then install a photoelectric smoke alarm in the hallway within 3 metres of the bedrooms.
Check the lights
- Use the correct bulb size and wattage in lamps and light fittings.
- Keep a torch, or your phone with a torch, next to your bed in case of an emergency.
Use candles safely
- Never leave lit candles unattended, even if it’s just for a couple of seconds.
- Place them on a surface that won’t catch fire, like a ceramic plate or special candle holder.
- Keep them away from the kids, along with any fire starters (lighters, matches, etc).
Check your electric blanket
- Make sure it lies flat on the bed and the controls and cords are not twisted – twisted cords are a common cause of electric blanket fires.
- Replace your worn and old electric blanket, or get it checked by a qualified electrician.
- Turn off your electric blanket before you go to sleep.
- When storing your electric blanket, roll it rather than fold it.
Check out the Fire & Emergency NZ website for more handy tips and checklists to keep your home safe from fire.