Daylight savings ends April 5th and as such, a good reminder that even though the weather is still fine, summer is going and winter is coming.  With climatic conditions changing we are moving towards the heating-related fires period.

Key fire safety messages for this time of the year: the safe use of chimneys, electric blanket checks and smoke alarm tips.

1. Chimneys: Make sure chimneys are free from accumulated soot, cleaned and in good condition.  Remember ashes can take a long time to cool so place in a metal container outside of the home.

2. Electric blanket: Have blankets checked annually by a competent service person.  Ensure your electric blanket is secured to your bed and always turn off your electric blanket before getting into bed.

3. Smoke alarms: Smoke alarms save lives!  They are inexpensive and can be purchased from your local hardware shop or supermarket.  There are two types of smoke alarms: one type is called an ionization alarm and the other is a photoelectric.  The ionization alarm responds faster to rapid flaming fires, while the photoelectric responds faster to smouldering fires.  The Fire Service recommends photoelectric smoke alarms be installed in your home.

Smoke alarms should be installed in all bedrooms, hallway and living areas.  Don’t put smoke alarms in the kitchen, garage or bathrooms unless they are specially designed for those areas.  Ideally place the smoke alarms in the middle of the ceiling.  Smoke alarms should be tested once a month by pushing the test button while cleaning/vacuuming them.  If in any doubt call us (09-413 9847) for assistance.  We can come to older people’s homes to replace/mount smoke alarms and help change the batteries.

In brigade news this month:
Training: A number of our firefighters are working towards gaining their Qualified Firefighter and Senior Firefighter qualifications.  A programme has been set in place and will run until July.  If you happen to notice an increase in training activity while you are out and about, this will be the reason why.

Fire Hydrants: Following a check of all hydrants in the area in 2007, a significant number of faults were identified which the Council has since rectified.  A recheck of these hydrants was completed in March.

Sports news: The Brigade’s colours were held high with its touch rugby team making it to the Plate Final of the annual NZ Fire Service Touch Rugby Tournament held at Point Chevalier.  Our mountain biking team travelled to Rotorua to contest the annual mountain biking competition with one member taking out the individual trophy.  And most importantly, the annual Cricket Match vs the local Dairy took place in March and as usual, we lost.  We did however make triple figures this year which is a significant improvement on previous years…one day we will win!!!

Reminder: The Greenhithe Volunteer Fire Brigade will NOT be selling fire wood this summer.  We may do so again in the future and we will let you know through the Village News when we do have wood available for sale again.
Concluding word: When you turn back your clocks on Sunday 5th April, please remember to check your smoke alarms and replace the batteries at the same time.