Smoke rises to the highest point in a room so, to help ensure the earliest possible
detection of a fire, install smoke alarms on the ceiling, rather than walls. The normal
pattern of airflow around a room can result in dead air pockets where walls and
ceilings meet, so place the alarm at least 15cm from the point where ceilings and
walls meet. 

Dust can accumulate in a smoke alarm and affect its responsiveness, so it’s a good
idea to do a quick vacuum of the alarm once a month. At this time, you can also
perform an alarm test. Most smoke alarms can be tested by pushing the test button,
however, specific alarms can be tested by passing a torch beam over the alarm.

 
Ensure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions when testing your alarm and check how long the test button takes to activate as time can vary between alarms. 

Batteries should be replaced once a year and smoke alarms every 10 years. If an
alarm makes a short ‘beep’ this is an indication that the battery is going flat and needs
to be replaced. It’s a good idea to replace the batteries on a memorable date, such as
daylight savings or New Year’s day.

Also, if you move into a house or apartment that has alarms installed by the previous occupier, it’s a good idea to install new batteries in the alarms so you know the lifetime left in the battery.

The NZ Fire Service recommends installing smoke alarms in all bedrooms, hallways
and the living area. However, at a minimum, alarms should be installed in hallways
near the bedrooms and then alarms installed in bedrooms as soon as possible.
Alarms should not be installed in the kitchen, bathroom or garage unless the alarm
is designed for these areas.

Colder winter nights mean electric blankets are used more frequently, so remember
to have your electric blanket checked before you use it (visit the Yellow Pages for
Electrical Appliances Repairs and Servicing businesses). Electric blankets should
also be switched off at the wall each night. Never be tempted to leave an electric
blanket on overnight - it’s far safer to add an extra blanket to your bedding.

Children can kick blankets and toys off the bed when they are sleeping, so avoid using
floor level electric fan, bar, or gas heaters in a child’s room, where there is the risk of
items catching alight. Remember to always adhere to the ‘metre from the heater’ rule
in a child’s bedroom.

Use of additional heating appliances in winter can result in extra plugs being plugged
into electric sockets or multi-boxes. Ensure you always use a multi-box with a trip
switch and don’t be tempted to overload it with additional adaptors or multi-boxes.
It’s safer to find another place for an electric item than risk overloading the multi-box.

Make sure your ceiling is safe from fire by ensuring attic items or insulation have not
obstructed or fallen on downlights. Downlights can produce considerable heat so
manufacturers’ clearance specifications must be followed.

Have a family meeting to make an escape plan, practice exiting the home in the
dark  (without lights or even blindfolded), agree on a safe meeting place and assign
responsibilities for the monthly checking of alarms.

Many great resources for families are available on the NZ Fire Service website including escape plans, information on correct installation of smoke alarms and a nightly check of what to do before you turn out the light – visit www.fire.org.nz

Check that your insurance is up-to-date and you have the level of cover that is right for you. With three levels of AMI contents cover and two levels of AMI house cover, you can choose the protection you need at a price that suits you.

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