Spring cleaning often means clearing out cupboards, washing windows and getting the house ready for warmer weather. But there is another part of the home that is easy to overlook: the appliances and electrical equipment we rely on every day.
From the fridge and washing machine to the microwave and clothes dryer, our appliances work hard throughout the year. Spring is a good time to give them a little attention, check that they are in good condition and make sure your household is prepared in case something goes wrong.
And while we're checking the appliances, it is also a good opportunity to check one of the most important pieces of fire-safety equipment in your home: your smoke alarms.
Start with your smoke alarms
Smoke alarms are one of the simplest ways to get an early warning of a house fire. Fire and Emergency New Zealand recommends long-life photoelectric smoke alarms, with smoke alarms installed in every bedroom, hallway and living area.
Spring is a good reminder to check that yours are actually working.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand recommends pressing the test button once a month to make sure the alarm sounds. Smoke alarms should also be gently vacuumed or dusted every six months, and their expiry date checked each year. If you have an alarm with a replaceable 9V battery, Fire and Emergency recommends replacing the battery annually. Smoke alarms should generally be replaced after 10 years.
It's also worth looking at where your alarms are positioned. Smoke alarms should not be placed in kitchens where cooking can cause false alarms. Fire and Emergency recommends heat alarms as an option for areas such as kitchens, laundries, bathrooms and garages.
A smoke alarm is only useful if it is working, in the right place and able to be heard.
Does everyone know what to do if it sounds?
Checking the alarm itself is only part of being prepared.
Everyone in the household should know what to do if an alarm sounds. Fire and Emergency New Zealand's 3-Step Escape Plan is simple: have working smoke alarms, plan two ways out, and agree on a safe meeting place outside.
This is particularly important for households with young children, older family members or anyone who may need assistance getting out quickly.
Take a few minutes to talk through the plan. Where would you go? Which exits could you use? Where would everyone meet?
It's much easier to think through these things when everyone is calm rather than trying to work it out during an emergency.
Give your appliances a spring check
Once the smoke alarms are sorted, have a look at the appliances around your home.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand advises that electrical appliances can present a fire risk, particularly where they are damaged, poorly maintained or used incorrectly. Appliances should be kept away from water, turned off when not in use and given adequate airflow to prevent overheating. Electrical cords should also be checked for damage.
You don't need to dismantle your appliances or become an appliance technician. A simple visual check can be enough to identify something that needs attention.
Your fridge
Your fridge works continuously, so it's easy to forget about it.
Check that the power cord and plug appear to be in good condition and that there is adequate ventilation around the appliance. While you're there, spring is also a good opportunity to clean it out, remove expired food and check that the seals around the door are still working properly.
If the appliance is making unusual noises, getting unusually hot or showing signs of an electrical problem, don't ignore it. Get appropriate professional advice rather than attempting electrical repairs yourself.
Your microwave
Give your microwave a good clean and check for any obvious damage, particularly to the door, seal or power cord.
If it is sparking, behaving unusually or showing signs of electrical damage, stop using it and have it checked appropriately.
Your washing machine
Washing machines combine electricity and water, so they deserve a little attention.
Check the power cord and plug for signs of damage and look around the machine for any evidence of leaks. It's also worth checking hoses and connections for deterioration or signs of water escaping.
If you find a significant leak or an electrical issue, get the appropriate professional involved rather than trying to repair it yourself.
Don't forget the dryer
Your clothes dryer deserves particular attention.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand recommends cleaning the lint filter after every use, keeping the dryer well ventilated and ensuring there is adequate air space around it. Their home fire-safety guidance also recommends having the dryer professionally checked for dust build-up at the back rather than opening it up yourself.
A build-up of lint can become a fire hazard, so this is one small maintenance job worth making part of your regular routine.
What about all those cords?
As you work around the house, take a look at your power cords and multi-plugs as well.
Are any cords frayed, damaged or trapped underneath furniture? Are multi-boards overloaded? Fire and Emergency New Zealand advises against plugging one adaptor or multi-board into another and recommends keeping cords away from carpets and other situations where they can become damaged or overheated.
It's also worth thinking about where you charge phones, tablets and other devices. Charging should take place on a hard, flat surface, rather than on a bed or sofa.
A small check can make a big difference
None of this needs to become a major weekend project.
Spring is simply a useful reminder to look at the things in our homes that we use every day and make sure they're still safe, clean and working as they should.
Check your smoke alarms. Talk through your escape plan. Look at your appliances, cords and plugs. Clean the dryer lint filter. And if something doesn't look right, don't ignore it.
You don't need to fix everything yourself either. If an appliance, electrical connection or other piece of equipment appears damaged or unsafe, get the right qualified professional to assess it.
A few simple checks now can help you head into summer knowing you've done a little more to keep your home and the people in it safe.
Your Spring Appliance & Fire Safety Check
☐ Test your smoke alarms
☐ Check smoke alarm expiry dates
☐ Check/replace batteries where applicable
☐ Make sure smoke alarms are in appropriate locations
☐ Make sure everyone knows your household escape plan
☐ Check your fridge, microwave and washing machine for obvious damage
☐ Check appliance cords and plugs
☐ Check the washing machine for leaks
☐ Clean the clothes dryer lint filter after every use
☐ Make sure the dryer has adequate ventilation and space around it
☐ Check multi-boards aren't overloaded
☐ Make sure charging devices are on hard, flat surfaces
☐ Get professional help if an appliance or electrical item appears damaged or unsafe
Spring is a good time to check the things we often take for granted - because the best time to find a problem with something in your home is before it becomes an emergency.
For detailed fire-safety advice, Fire and Emergency New Zealand also offers free Home Fire Safety Visits, including help with checking and installing smoke alarms and creating an escape plan
Amy Callon
Financial Adviser
New Vision Financial Services
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