Keeping warm this winter – the safe way

Keeping warm this winter – the safe way

As the winter months approach, so does the planning and preparation to stay warm in our homes. However for those planning on using electrical heaters, gas heaters and fire places, it is important to remember that there are a few basic fire safety measures to take to ensure a stress and fire free winter.

Wormald, a world leader in fire protection and detection, is urging New Zealanders to carefully check that their homes are adequately prepared for fire safety, to protect not only their property but also their lives.

Wormald has developed the following checklist to ensure that precautions are taken to avoid fire related incidents over the coming winter months.

1. Install smoke alarms. Check your existing alarms are working - clean and replace batteries if required
2. Buy a fire blanket and locate it where it can be easily reached in an emergency. Near the kitchen door is ideal as most fires start in the kitchen
3. Install a portable fire extinguisher. Check with your local Wormald branch which model best suits your home and make sure the whole family knows how to operate it
4. Create a fire escape plan for your home and display the plan in a central area of the house. Keep a key in the inside deadbolt to ensure you can leave quickly. Train your family in an evacuation procedure and agree on an assembly area. Make sure the whole family knows how to call the fire service.
5. Have your chimney swept. This ensures the chimney can do its job properly venting hot, toxic gases and carbon monoxide from the heating system to the outdoors.
6. Know what to do if clothing catches fire. Don’t run. Remember to STOP, DROP and ROLL
7. Take care in the kitchen and never leave cooking unattended. Turn pot handles inwards
8. Heat your home safely. Place heaters at least one metre from flammable items such as curtains, bedding and furniture
9. Practice safe smoking. Wet down cigarette butts before disposing of them and never smoke in bed
10. Have an electrician check the electrical wiring throughout the home and keep electrical appliances in good working order

For more information and advice regrading fire safety please visit www.wormald.co.nz.

ENDS

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