The colder months
are an extremely dangerous time for fires in the home.
Last year in New
Zealand seven people died in house fires in the three winter months from June to
August. A further six died during autumn, when the weather started getting
colder. During the winter months there were 428 fires which caused damage to the
home and a further 459 chimney fires.
To reduce the
statistics and the human tragedies that accompany them, the New Zealand Fire
Service is launching a Winter Safety campaign to raise awareness of the
particular fire dangers during the colder months.
The Fire Service
is running a series of TV advertisments from mid May to June, and the brochure
above is available from all fire stations.
Candles
and oil burners can be
dangerous
- always keep them
well
away from flammable objects.
Turn
off your electric blanket
before
getting into bed.
Don't
overload power points -
use
multi boxes with circuit
breakers
instead.
Did
you remember to turn
the
gas heater off?
When
cooking with fat or oil
keep
the pot lid handy.
Ensure
all electrical appliances
are
in safe working order - replace
frayed
cords and broken plugs.
Before
going to bed each night make a last safety check for your family
| Electric
Blanket Care
|
Use:
Ensure the blanket is flat on the bed and has no folds or creases.
Secure firmly using ties, DO NOT use pins.
Ensure that the leads are extended (not coiled) and visible, clear of
foot traffic (to avoid tripping over them!)
While blanket is in use avoid placing objects (ie. boxes) on top of
it.
Always supervise children when blanket is in use.
Storage:
When storing it is recommended your blanket be rolled, not folded.
Store your blanket in a dry area where no object will be placed on it.
Cleaning:
Always follow care instructions provided on the blanket label.
An annual safety check is recommended.
Also carry out a visual check of the cords and the general blanket
condition often, and remember,
'If
in doubt, check it out'
|
| Wheat
Bags
|
The
Fire Service recommends the following safety guidelines.
Do not
over heat the Wheat bag as this will not make it any more effective or
long lasting.
Follow
the manufacturers heating instructions, which is usually 2-4 minutes
on high in the microwave.
ALWAYS
place a glass of water in the microwave with the wheat bag.
This
replenishes the water content in the grain, maintains the
effectiveness of the bag as a hot pack and prevents the grain drying
out.
Watch
for signs of over heating eg. an over-cooked odour, smell of burning
or charring and in extreme cases, smoking.
These
all indicate that irreversible grain deterioration has occurred.
It is
advisable to safely dispose of the Wheat bag if these signs are
observed.
Leave
the Wheat bag to cool after use on a non-combustible surface.
Store
only when cool.
Check
that your wheat bag covering is 100% cotton, which is fire retardent.
It is
not recommended that the Wheat bags be used as bed warmers.
|
