Take action now and check its alright before you light.
Fire and Emergency urges people to take action now ahead of a hot, dry summer
Firefighters do not join most Kiwis in welcoming the hot dry weather across the country, and are urging the public to take action now 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 only going to get hotter and drier. This means a greater risk to life and property. With many areas going into Restricted fire seasons, people need to take action now.
Key fire safety tips include:
- Make sure your property has good access for firetrucks, and to water supplies.
- Have a well-practiced 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 ignite a fire. Dampen down the surrounding area beforehand, and undertake the activity first thing in the morning when it is coolest. Remember to check the fire season at checkitsalright.nz as these activities may be fully prohibited due to the high risk of them starting a fire.
Use our fire safety checklist to help make sure your property is safe from vegetation fires this summer.
Go to checkitsalight.nz to check the fire danger in your area and watch this space for updates.
๐Let's get festive ๐
If you've decked your halls with all things jolly, we think it deserves to be shown off!
Share a photo of your home in its Christmassy glory and be in to win a spot prize. Some of these entries will be chosen as a finalist for the grand title of NZ's Merriest Home which Neighbourly members can vote on!
Entries close Sunday, 15th of December so share a photo today ๐ธ
Neighbourhood Riddle Duel: Who Will Guess First?
There are three playing cards in a row. Can you name them with these clues?
There is a two to the right of a king.
A diamond will be found to the left of a spade.
An ace is to the left of a heart.
A heart is to the left of a spade.
Now, identify all three cards.
Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.
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Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.