Why a week for fire safety?

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 11, Issue 506, 5 October 1993, Page 6

Why a week for fire safety?

Every year the New Zealand Fire Service attends over 6,000 fires in* homes. Fire Safety Week running from 14-10 October has been co-ordinated by the New Zealand Fire Service and First Alert

(manufacturer of fire safety products) to make people more aware of the steps they can take to reduce the risk of fire in their homes. A series of events is planned throughout the country, including open

days, public displays, school visits, competitions and local promotions. The theme 'As safe as houses - how safe is your home?' directs attention to private homes which are often not as safe from

fire as most people assume. A Fire Service spokesperson says the potential fire risks in most homes can be substantially reduced by regular home fire safety checks and adopting a few common sense rules. Fire Safety Week aims to advise people on the importance of fire safety in the home, publicise some of the common fire risks and encourage householders to carry out a fire safety check of

their home, room by room. It will also see the continuation of the Fire Service effort to install smoke alarms in every home as an early warning to occupants in case of fire. Most fires occur at night, usually when people are sleeping. As the smell of smoke will not wake them, a smoke alarm can mean the difference between life and death. Managing Director of

First Alert, Mr Brian Lankshear says his company is once again pleased to be involved with Fire Safety Week. "Anything which helps to raise fire safety awareness and assist the Fire Service with its fire safety education programmes is of benefit to the coinmunity," Mr Lankshear says.

"Fire Safety Week reinforces programmes carried out by the Fire Service during the year and is a reminder that fire safety in the home should never be taken for granted." Fire safety information will be promoted at displays, demonstrations and fire safety activities held during Fire Safety Week.