safety

Fire and electrical hazards are among the top risks to home safety, especially when homes are left unattended for extended periods, such as during holiday travels. Electrical faults and overlooked fire risks can lead to severe damage, costing homeowners time and money.

Taking proactive steps to minimise these hazards protects your home and household members. When you are away, it provides peace of mind, allowing you to fully enjoy your time, knowing you have a safe place to come back to.

Electrical faults and overlooked fire risks:

We often don’t think about fire hazards in our homes, but they can have serious consequences. Simple issues like old wiring, overloaded outlets, or frayed cords can lead to overheating and sparks that might start a fire. Similarly, things like a candle left burning, a dryer vent that hasn’t been cleaned in a while, or a heater placed too close to curtains are easy to overlook but can be hazardous. Taking a few extra minutes to check on these things can make a huge difference in keeping your home safe.

Ways to reduce fire risks at home :

1. Unplug Non-Essential Electronics

Unplugging devices like televisions, kitchen appliances, and other electronics reduces the risk of electrical fires and saves energy. According to Fire and Emergency New Zealand, electrical faults are a major cause of residential fires, with 641 house fires involving electricity reported in 2019 which is a 22% increase over three years.

Read more about fires caused by electrical faults on RNZ

2. Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are essential for early hazard detection, whether you’re at home or away. Since people who are asleep can’t smell smoke and are unlikely to wake up during a fire, reliable smoke alarms are critical for alerting occupants to danger in time. Make sure these devices are in good working order and equipped with fresh batteries. The New Zealand Building Code requires smoke alarms in all residential properties, highlighting their role in protecting lives and property.

Learn more about smoke alarm requirements on Level

3. Keep Flammable Items Away from Heat Sources

To reduce fire risks, make sure flammable items such as curtains, blankets, and paper products are kept away from heat sources like heaters, radiators, and stoves. Even small appliances like toasters or space heaters can accidentally ignite nearby items if they’re too close. Fire and Emergency New Zealand recommends keeping a safe distance – at least a metre between any heat source and flammable materials to prevent accidental fires (Fire and Emergency NZ). Always place heat-generating devices on stable, non-flammable surfaces and keep the surrounding area clear. 

Recommended Products for Fire Prevention and Preparedness

To further enhance your home’s safety, consider the following products available from Survive-it:

• Fire Extinguishers: Essential for quickly addressing small fires before they escalate.
  
• Fire Blankets: Useful for smothering small fires or wrapping around a person whose clothing has caught fire.
  
• Emergency Lighting: Reliable lighting solutions to ensure visibility during power outages, reducing the risk of accidents.

Taking these simple steps can make all the difference in keeping your home safe, whether you’re there or enjoying time away. Unplugging electronics, checking smoke detectors, and clearing the space around heat sources are small actions that help create a safer home and protect the people and things you care about most.