With a hot, dry summer forecast, Fire and Emergency New Zealand is urging people to take action to keep their properties safe from fire.
This year is shaping up to be much drier than previous years and with the La Nina conditions forecast, it is going to get hotter and drier. This means a greater risk to life and property. Many areas are already going into restricted fire seasons.
Key fire safety tips include:
- Make sure your property has good access for fire trucks and to water supplies.
- Have a well-practised escape plan so everyone knows what to do if there is a fire.
- Call 111 immediately if you see any smoke.
- Maintain a defendable area free of vegetation around your home
- Store firewood in a cool dry place, not next to your home. It will dry out with the sun and heat and ignite easily.
- Be vigilant when carrying out activities with machinery that causes sparks and may ignite a fire. Dampen down the surrounding area beforehand and undertake the activity first thing in the morning when it is coolest.
Check the fire season at www.checkitsalright.nz as some activities may be prohibited due to the high risk of them starting a fire.