Keeping yourself safe when temperatures drop.

1. Be mindful of fire hazards.

While house fires can occur year-round, when the temperature drops, the risk of house fires increases.

• Smoke alarms: Test your smoke alarms regularly to check they're in good working order - they're often the first thing to let you know that there's a fire.
• Indoor fires: Have your chimney cleaned before you light the first fire of the season, always use a fireguard when the fire is lit and keep matches and lighters out of reach of children.
• Hot ashes: Leave them to cool (it can take five days) before disposing of them in a metal bin and use a lid or pour water over them to keep them contained.
• Electric blankets: Check for hotspots before use by turning it on high for 15 minutes, then switching it off and running a hand over the blanket. Plus make sure you always turn your blanket off before going to sleep.
• Clothes dryers: Clean the lint filter before every use to avoid lint build-up. Ensure that the dryer isn't overloaded, and that the full cycle, including cool down, is used. 
• Heaters and fireplaces: Follow the heater-metre rule, ensuring at least a metre of clear space surrounding heaters while in use (this also applies to fireplaces).  Make sure heaters are plugged directly into a wall socket and never dry clothing and other items on top of heaters or fireplaces.
• Bathroom heaters: Check your heater as there has been a recall of Serene bathroom heaters because of potential fire risks. Never leave any bathroom heaters going unattended for long periods.
• Candles: Never leave candles unattended and always place them on a non-flammable surface.

Visit fireandemergency.nz/winter-fire-safety for more information.

2. Preparing for stormy weather

Here are some precautions against storms and heavy rainfall:

• Missing or damaged roof tiles can lead to leaks when the rain comes. If anything is amiss, arrange an inspection to check for any potential water entry points.
• Blocked gutters can cause water to overflow and damage your roof, walls or foundations. Have your gutters and downpipes checked and cleared after the leaf fall in autumn and before the heavy winter rains hit.
• Remove debris around drains to prevent water pooling around your property.
• Trim overhanging branches that can damage your home and drop leaves into gutters.

3. Protect your belongings from dampness and mould

Cold, damp conditions can lead to issues with mould which can damage furniture, clothing and other belongings. You can avoid these by:

• Ventilating your home: Keep your home well-ventilated to prevent moisture build-up, especially in kitchens and bathrooms. Open windows when cooking or showering to let steam escape.
• Using dehumidifiers: In particularly damp areas like basements, use a dehumidifier to help to keep the air dry and prevent mould growth.

4. Prepare your car for winter driving

Winter driving conditions can be tricky with rain, fog, ice, and snow in some areas. Car insurance claims for accidents and weather-related damages tend to rise as the weather turns colder, but you can reduce the risk with a little extra care.

• Check your tyres: In wet or icy conditions, tyres in good condition make all the difference. Make sure your tyres are properly inflated and have enough tread to grip the road.
• Keep your windscreen clear: Regularly check your wipers and replace them if they’re streaking or not working efficiently. Ensure your windscreen washer fluid is topped up for those wintery conditions.
• Drive to the conditions: When driving in wet or icy conditions, always slow down, increase your following distance and be extra cautious around bends and intersections.