July 12, 2007

Northland people warned of increased fire danger

Homes stricken by flooding in Northland could be exposed to greater fire danger, warns the New Zealand Fire Service.

People using alternative means of heating, cooking and lighting as a result of power cuts need to be even more vigilant about fire safety.

Alternative Heating, Cooking and Lighting Arrangements

· Place portable gas cookers on a non-combustible surface but not on a stove top or near a heating appliance.

· If you have no power, turn off ALL electrical appliances except for one or two lights. The lights will give safe indication when the power comes back on.

· Take care with exposed flame such as candles and gas lanterns. Ensure candles are in a suitable holder to prevent falling over and keep away from curtains, drapes and other flammable material. Place them where they cannot be knocked over by children or pets. Extinguish all candles when going to bed.

· If using portable gas heaters or patio heaters ensure adequate ventilation to avoid a build-up of carbon monoxide gas and again keep away from flammable material.

· Gas BBQs should not be used inside a house but could be used in a garage where there is adequate ventilation. Fill the drip tray with sand to soak up the excess cooking fat or oil.

· If using a portable electricity generator place it outside in a position where exhaust fumes cannot enter a building. When refuelling turn the generator off and allow it to cool to avoid ignition of petrol vapours.

· Wood for solid fuel heaters and open fires must not be stacked up alongside the heater. If drying clothes inside keep them at least a metre away from heaters, open fires, log fires and the like. If you have a wetback water heater DO NOT DRAIN your hot water cylinder and continue to use the fire.

ENDS

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