ADVICE
Significant fires can start behind appliances so it’s a good idea to check the cords, plugs and sockets of all appliances.
It’s never too late to be fire safe
W
E’RE well and truly into single figure temperatures these days. That said, it’s never too late to make sure your home is fire safe. At FMG, fires in fireplaces make up 20% of house fire claims and electrical fires make up 30%. New Zealand’s rural insurer has shared some checks people can do to make sure their homes are fire safe. • Last year FMG had $13.5m worth of house fire claims; • Half of them were from winter with most in June; • Fireplaces and chimneys were the leading cause of winter fires and; • Electrical fires in heaters continue to be a common cause. Check electrical wiring, switchboards and appliances. Significant fires can start behind appliances. It’s a good idea to check the cords, plugs and sockets of large appliances like dishwashers, ovens and fridges. 60
FMG also suggests checking smaller appliances like electric blankets, heaters, irons and toasters. Check only one appliance is connected to each socket, whether to a single power point or a multi-board and power points are not overloaded with double adapters. People concerned about any electrical wiring or switchboard in a house should ask a qualified electrician to examine it and replace if needed. People are at greater risk of fire in houses not upgraded with new electrical wiring and switchboards, such as those over 60 years old. Rural properties are twice as likely to use wood fires and the damage caused by rural house fires is often worse because of the extra time it takes for emergency services to arrive. Fires often start because a fireplace has no fireguard. The fire can spread to nearby items such as rugs and carpets that start to burn. A fireguard helps to prevent sparks, embers and logs rolling onto the floor when a door is opened. Inspect and clean fireplaces and chimneys. If people are concerned they
Check electrical wiring, switchboards and appliances. should get a certified expert to inspect fireplaces and chimneys for deterioration. Chimneys should be swept regularly to remove any debris and build-up of creosote, soot and ash. Fire and Emergency has found in 80% of house fires it has attended smoke alarms were either not properly installed or not working. And people should make sure emergency services can access properties should a fire occur. Now is a good time to clear driveways of low branches and other obstructions. n
MORE:
House Fires Advice Guide on the FMG and Fire and Emergency websites. DAIRY FARMER
July 2020
