Fire safety

• Don’t leave stove top cooking unattended.

• Keep the stove top clean and free of spilled fats or burned foods.

• Clean the rangehood filters.

• Have a fire extinguisher near the kitchen and know how to use it.

• Keep anything flammable – curtains, tea towels, and oven mitts – away from your stove top.

• Wear tight fitting sleeves or roll them up when you are cooking.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand says:

• If your frying pan is on fire, place the lid of the frypan, a wet tea towel, or another large flat object (like a chopping board) over the pan to starve the fire of oxygen.

• Never throw water onto a frypan that’s on fire.

• Never, ever attempt to carry a burning frypan outside.

• If you have a fire in your oven, try to turn off the power or gas, either at the stove or at the mains.

Another big danger in the kitchen is scalds — burns caused by boiling water. Fire and Emergency New Zealand has these tips for preventing scalds:

• Keep kids out of the kitchen or cooking areas when you’re cooking or preparing meals.

• Keep kettles, jugs and teapots away from the edge of benches and tables.

• Turn saucepan handles so they’re not sticking out over the floor. Use the elements or hot plates at the back of the stove if possible.

• Make sure all upright stoves are securely fastened to the wall and keep oven doors closed, except when grilling as per manufacturers instructions.

For advice on treating scalds and burns, visit the St John website.

• Matches, lighters or other fire-starting tools should be stored out of reach of children.

• Lights should be fitted with the correct bulb size and rating (in watts).

• Electric blankets should be in good condition and not more than 5 years old.

• Have a torch near every bed, in case of emergencies.

• Make sure there is no lint built up in the clothes dryer filter. Check this after every use.

• Don’t leave candles unattended.

• Make sure candles are used on a surface that won’t catch on fire, such as a a ceramic plate or a special holder.

• Don’t let children use, light or play with candles.

• Make sure you don’t have too many appliances plugged into power points or multi boards.

• It’s a good idea to switch off appliances at the wall rather than leave them on standby. This is safer and will cut your power bill.

ŌCHT properties are smoke free and ŌCHT has a smoke free policy.

Smoking in bed is a leading cause of house fires.

We offer advice and support to quit through our connections with health providers.

• BBQ fittings should be tight and secure. There should be at least 1 metre of clear space around the BBQ.

• Flammable liquids in sheds or garages should be stored in appropriate containers.

• Keep furniture, clothes and curtains at least a metre from heaters and the fireplace.