Fire safety

Fire extinguishers form part of a fire-safety plan that includes safety precautions around heat sources, smoke alarms, and escape plans.

If a fire breaks out

If a fire breaks out, the NZ Fire Service recommends the following:

• Shout and raise the alarm to others in the house.
• Evacuate people from the building.
• Call 111 for the fire brigade.
• Use extinguishers only on small fires. If the fire is big, get out.
• Use an extinguisher only if you are trained in its use, and someone else knows you are using it.
• Give the trigger a gentle squeeze first to see if it works - and to see how far it sprays the foam or powder.
• Never let the fire get between you and the escape route.
• Never throw or spray water on an oil fire; it will make it worse.

Fire extinguisher tips

Using a fire extinguisher might seem obvious, but many users still get it wrong. It's always advisable to check before you ever need to use it.

• Read the instructions.
• Get close enough to the fire for the extinguisher to be effective before pulling the trigger. The effective range is 2 to 5 metres.
• Shake dry powder extinguishers before you use them.
• Aim at the seat of the fire.
• Have your extinguisher checked annually.

Fire safety tips

• Install smoke alarms, or check your existing alarm works.
• Check alarms monthly and batteries twice a year (do it on your birthday or the daylight saving changeover days). Dust or vacuum the internal parts and grilles carefully.
• Have an escape plan for your household that includes an agreed meeting point. Practise the plan.
• Keep your garden hose connected.
• Have a good extinguisher handy and know how to use it.
• Don't use heaters as clothes dryers.
• Turn off appliances, including TV sets, at the wall. Turn off heaters at night.
• If you have a chimney, get it swept every autumn.
• Keep doors shut at night. This slows the spread of a fire.
• Don't leave pans of fat cooking unattended. Electric deep fryers are safer than stovetop deep frying.