Helping communities see a fire before it starts, this winter

Starting today, our winter fire safety campaign ‘See a fire before it starts’ will aim to get those at risk to better identify fire hazards when using electric blankets, heaters, fireplaces and dryers, and to be safer when using them.

The campaign focuses on five fire safe behaviours:

• A metre from the heater - Always keep furniture, clothing and other flammables a metre from the heater.
• Cool your ash before you stash - Ash can reignite for up to five days. Ash needs to be properly cooled before being put in the rubbish. Once cleared out of the fireplace, stash your ash in a metal bucket, saturated with water, for five days.
• A clean dryer avoids fire – Lint build-up in a dryer can cause excessive heat and a fire. Clean the lint filter out, every time.
• Check the heat before you sleep - Check your electric blanket for hot spots before first use.
• Chimney alright before first light? – Get your chimney cleaned before the first fire of the season.

We’re targeting the Intenders and the Disengaged segments as research tells us that both don’t prioritise fire safety in the home. Our campaign will give them practical actions they can take to reduce their risk, and make our message visible close to home, where the risky behaviour happens.

The campaign will feature across social, digital billboards, online video, digital display, and MetService.

We will drive the public to ‘Sort Your Home Fire Safety’ tool(external link) on our website where users will be prompted to sort their home fire safety by answering a number of questions, including winter fire safety related questions, about their household. Once completed, the user will receive a personalised list of fire safety messages or a Home Fire Safety Visit will be recommended.

As a part of Fire and Emergency, you play an important advocacy role by encouraging your networks and community to share and follow the three key fire safety actions. Check out our winter fire safety resources page on the Community Readiness and Recovery bookshelf(external link), or on our website(external link).

When you’re out talking to the public, friends and whānau, remember to share our five key winter fire safety messages: a metre from the heater; cool your ash before you stash; a clean dryer avoids fire; check the heat before you sleep; chimney alright before first light?