Welcome to Katikati Volunteer Fire Brigade’s first column in the Katikati News. As the new fire chief, I want to keep the community informed on what work the brigade is undertaking in the district as well as offering advice, tips and reminders to people on how they can keep themselves, their homes, properties and businesses safe from the risk of fires.

With winter on the horizon, now is the time to prepare your properties for when you need to use heat sources to warm buildings.

If you have a fireplace at home – I urge you to get your chimney/s cleaned by a professional before you start lighting fires for the season. The chimney flue must be cleaned every 12 months.

When you light a fire – or use an electric heater – make sure clothing and other items are at least one metre away from them. DO NOT dry clothing and other items on top of heaters or fireplaces!

Make sure you always use a fireguard or spark guard around a fireplace when a fire is lit, and keep matches and lighters out of reach of children. Hot ashes should be emptied into a metal bin and covered with water and left to cool before disposal.

Also – regularly check all your smoke alarms to make sure they are working. Once-a-month press the test button of each smoke alarm in your building to ensure the devices are working properly.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand recommends installing a smoke alarm in every bedroom, hallway and living area. You may also choose to install a heat alarm in the kitchen, laundry, bathroom or garage.

The public can request a free Home Fire Safety Visit from Fire and Emergency New Zealand to gain advice on how to reduce the risk of fires in their own home. Request a visit at: www.fireandemergency.nz/home-fire-safety/request-a-home-fire-safety-visit

Katikati Volunteer Fire Brigade also has a new Facebook page up and running, where you can keep up-to-date with our work. Search ‘Katikati Volunteer Fire Brigade’ on Facebook. Stay safe everyone.