Fire Brigade News

Greetings again from the Waiatarua Volunteer Fire Brigade Crew. Firstly, congratulations to Dave Anderson who has completed his Qualified Fire Fighters course with flying colours.

It has been a quiet month for call outs, but we did have a crew in attendance at the Henderson Countdown Fire.

In preparation for winter and increased use of fires and heaters, why not have a look at this great online resource to help plan your home emergency escape – https://www.escapemyhouse.co.nz/.

Fire safety quiz!

– Answers at the end of the quiz.

1. How long does it take for a house fire to become unsurvivable?
   30 seconds.
   30 minutes.
   3 minutes.
   3 days.
2. How often should you test your smoke alarms?
   Once a year.
   Once a month.
   Twice a year.
   Once a day.
3. When creating an escape plan for your home, how many exits do we recommend you have from each room, as a minimum? At least:
   One exit.
   Two exits.
   Three exits.
   Four exits.
4. What should you do with your deadlock keys before going to bed?
   Keep them secure in your kitchen.
   Hang them in your kitchen.
   Leave them in the doors and windows.
   Leave them on your bedside cabinet.
5. What is the minimum safe distance from a heater or open fire?
   One step.
   Two steps.
   One metre.
   Two metres.
6. How often should you sweep your chimneys?
   Once a month.
   Once a year.
   Twice a year.
   Every two years.
7. What should you do with your deadlock keys before going to bed?
   Keep them secure in your kitchen.
   Hang them in your kitchen.
   Leave them in the doors and windows.
   Leave them on your bedside cabinet.
8. What is the leading cause of house fires in New Zealand?
   Cigarettes.
   Children.
   Unattended cooking.
   Electrical fault.
9. What should you do if the cooking oil in your fry pan catches fire?
   Carry the pan outside.
   Throw water on the fire.
   Smother the fire with a damp towel or cutting board.

Contacts:
Always phone 111 for any fire or emergency.

To check if you need a permit to light a fire: checkitsalright.nz  or 0800 658 628

For our Brigade:

• • Chief Fire Officer: Kevin Healy 09 814 9505
  • Deputy Chief Officer: Ian Ford 09 814 8871
  • Volunteer Brigade Support: Christine Healy  Christine.healy@fireandemergency.nz