Members of the brigade enjoyed another great day out at the recent A &
P Show. Kids were able to enjoy a ride on "Little Flick" and kids and
adults alike got to experience what it was like to be in a
smoke-filled environment. The public also enjoyed a live demonstration
of what to do if they have an oven fire. Flint and Amber, the 'Fire
Wise Crew', also enjoyed meeting and getting photos taken with the
children.
On Sunday April 18 the brigade held an Open Day at the Fire Station.
It was great to meet members of the community who took the opportunity
to have a look around. We would like to say thank you to the Dunedin
Fire Brigade Restoration Society which lent us their travelling museum
and it was great to have back on-station #20 a 1947 Ford V8, which was
the second serving fire engine in our community.
We would like to welcome to our brigade three new members, Sharon
Brogan, Amanda Church and William Shaw. Thank you for volunteering to
help your community.
It is with regret that we announce the resignation of Brett
Fairweather. We would like to thank Brett for all his hard work and
dedication to the brigade and we wish him well for the future.
We would like to congratulate the following members who have recently
successfully completed practical training courses. Richard Templeton -
Officer's Course; Brent Bell, Keith Templeton, Charles Abraham and
myself - Qualified Fire Fighter's Course; Richard Templeton, Brent
Bell and Keith Templeton - Driver's course.
On April 21 the total fire ban for the north and south coast zones was
lifted. A restricted fire season (allowing fires by permit only) is
now in force. Permits suspended by the ban and which have not yet
expired are once again valid.
Winter fire safety tips
Daylight saving has ended and it's time to get your winter coat,
electric blanket and heater out of the cupboard. Here are a few safety
tips to take into consideration this winter.
After kitchen fires, fires involving heating and drying are one of the
most common reasons the Fire Service is called out.
· Always keep furniture, curtains, clothes and children at least
one metre away from heaters and fireplaces
· Don't store objects on top of your heater
· Never cover heater
· Don't overload clothes dryers and clean the lint filter after each load.
Fireplace and chimneys
There's nothing like sitting in front of the fireplace on a cold
winter night. But here's a list of things to be mindful of:
· Clean chimneys and flues before your first fire of the season
· Always use a fireguard or spark-guard with open fires
· Ashes can take up to five days to cool - always empty fireplace
or woodburner ashes and ashtrays into a metal bin with a lid. Water
can be poured over them before disposal.
Electric blankets
Climbing into bed on a cold night is much easier if you've had an
electric blanket on but there are things you should do to keep fire
safe.
· If your electric blanket or cord is showing any signs of wear,
have it checked by a competent service person or have it replaced.
Don't take the risk.
· Always make sure that your electric blanket is switched off
before getting into bed.
· Never use pins or sharp objects to secure the electric blanket
to the bed and never tuck it in under the bed.
· If the blanket becomes soiled, sponge it lightly and allow to
dry naturally on a flat surface.
Portable LPG gas heaters
When using gas heaters take a few moments to consider the following
safety precautions - they may save a life.
· Make sure the ceramic heater element is not broken or chipped
and that the element guard is in place
· Check to see that the hose is in good condition and doesn't show
any signs of damage or wear
· If the heater does not light straight away, turn it off and then
try again. Don't let the gas build up before trying to relight it.
· Always have fresh air coming into the room where a gas heater is in use
Keep warm and keep safe this winter.
Waitati Volunteer Fire Brigade: Deanne Burrell 482 2230,
pdnr.burrrell@xtra.co.nz
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Warrington, Evansdale, Waitati, Doctors Point), Dunedin, New Zealand.
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