Electrical safety tips for your home
Important tips for staying safe around electricity at home
Here you’ll find some important tips and information for staying safe around electricity both in and around your home.
Cords, chargers and multiplugs
- Overloaded plugs or multi boards can generate heat and cause a fire. Make sure you keep them clean of dust and check for any frayed cords
- Charge devices on flat firm surfaces, never on beds or under pillows, as they can overheat and cause a fire
- Always turn off and unplug chargers when not in use
- If using extension cords, ensure they aren’t a trip hazard or damaged by furniture
- Ensure all appliance cords are out of reach of small children
Keeping things safe
- Remember the heater meter rule – keep electric heaters one metre away from things that can burn
- Store electric blankets flat or rolled when not in use
- Always remember to clean your dryer lint filter after each use
- Test your smoke alarms regularly and have an emergency evacuation plan
Make sure you are well prepared for a power outage
You and your whānau must plan ahead to keep safe during power outages.
These may be unplanned, or the result of unplanned outages, such as cars hitting power poles or storms.
Here’s some advice to help you and your family, friends, and neighbours prepare and keep safe during storms or other situations that may affect your power supply.
Keep safe around our networks
Visit our safety hub to learn about how to keep safe around our networks while at home, doing the mahi (work) or out and about in beautiful Northland.
