Community Update from Lake Hāwea Volunteer Fire Brigade
Hello all from your team at the Lake Hawea Volunteer Fire Brigade.
It’s been a while but with daylight savings a distant memory, a first dusting of snow on the hills and a good number of the chimneys puffing away it’s a good time to highlight a few safety messages.
Firstly, though we would like to take this opportunity to thank the community as a whole on their actions over the summer period. We had an extremely quiet time even with some dry conditions in play so thanks to you all for being so responsible!
Smoke Alarms – Don’t assume your smoke alarms are working! These can’t be tested enough but if you haven’t done so recently, please take two seconds to grab a broom handle or the like and give it a prod. If you have a version that requires battery changes, there’s no time like the present. If you find changing the batteries an onerous (but obviously a very important) task then there are newer long-life versions are available. Find some great info, check out: https://fireandemergency.nz/at-home/buying-and-installing-smoke-alarms/
We would also like to highlight the need for people to reassess where you currently have smoke alarms installed. There have been some recent incidents where battery chargers may have been the cause of fires, particularly if they have been left to charge for prolonged periods unobserved.
We would advise people to ensure that they turn off charging devices once the battery is fully charged and to have a smoke alarm situated in garages or areas where you do use battery charges. This also applies to tradies that may be in the habit of leaving their gear on charge overnight on building sites.
Home Heating – With the cooler weather approaching a couple of key messages here:
Keep your chimney clean – most chimney fires occur on account of a dirty chimney. We have got some great local companies that can get your chimney spotless in a jiffy so don’t delay, get it sorted.
Burn dry wood – wet wood is not only less efficient at heating your home but adds to the build up of creosote in your flue.
Keep clothing items at least 1 metre away from heat sources.
Check that your electric blanket is in good working order, if in doubt get an electrician to inspect it.
For more tips on fire safety about the home: https://fireandemergency.nz/at-home/winter-fire-safety/
Escape Plan - The school holidays are upon us so if the kids are getting bored get them to help with establishing an escape plan for the household. Far better to engage their heads than let their idle hands get up to mischief. Ask your teenagers first, there’s a good chance they already know the best way to get out of your house quickly and quietly. For more advice: https://fireandemergency.nz/at-home/creating-an-escape-plan/
As always, if you have any questions about anything fire related, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with any brigade members you may know or alternatively our Chief Brent Arthur - 021 334 482.
To all you who are Parents, good luck with the school holidays.
Stay safe everyone.
E noho ra
