Fire safety and Children

, ,

If your curious about what your child/children would do if faced with a house fire, put them to the test! Do you think you’ll like the outcome?

It’s important for children to learn about the dangers of fire, in all circumstances. There are many different ways to bring this to a child’s attention. Information is power, if we can teach children what to do in these situations, they will be able to protect themselves if you are separated.

Here are some essential points:

  1. First things first, Teach them your escape plan. Children can be overwhelmed with fear, a step by step plan of what to do is key for a child’s survival when faced with uncommon happenings.
  2. Practice makes perfect, it’s not enough to talk about it once. Children’s brains are contently growing with new information. Ideally hanging up your escape plan and practising the plan at least twice a year.
  3. When there’s no way out. In the instance of getting trapped by fire, the most important thing to remember is to close the door. Put bedding or cloth under the door to block off any smoke that will seep through.
  4. Wait for help, Firefighters have breathing mask that can look intimidating to children. Make sure that they know what the firefighter gear looks like, so they don’t get scared and hide.
  5. Stop, drop and roll. A key point to save your life, when caught on fire. Most kids first instincts will be to run away which will only make it worse.
  6. Once out stay out – Call 111 – stay safe. Your life can’t be replaced.

Landlords failing to provide Smoke Alarms are in the firing line

, , ,

Just this year there has already been a hand full of cases heard by the Tenancy Tribunal in which property managers and landlords have been ordered to pay exemplary damages to tenants for failing to fit smoke alarms in their rental properties.

Referring to the Tenancies Act changes that took effect in July 2016, stating landlords are responsible for ensuring there are good, working smoke alarms in their rental properties before the tenant moves in (start of a new tenancy).

An Auckland landlord who failed to comply with these standards got fined $2,000 for not installing smoke alarms in a rental property. It was said in this case the landlord “has been restrained from committing the same offence for six year or will face further legal action.” Examples are being made all through New Zealand making sure the landlords and property managers are complying with Tenancy laws, reminding them that in failing to do so will not be tolerated and can be fined up to $4,000.

 

You can read other cases here: