SAFE programme: 8,800+ smoke alarms installed and counting

For nearly a decade, members of the Taradale Volunteer Fire Brigade, along with the Flaxmere and Napier Community Patrols, have joined forces to bring fire safety education to communities across Hawke’s Bay.

Operating since 2016, the Smoke Alarms For Everyone (SAFE) community programme is currently run by 30 members, a mix of Taradale Fire Brigade, Flaxmere and Napier Community Patrol volunteers.

The programme focuses on conducting Home Fire Safety Visits (HFSVs), which include offering fire safety advice and installing smoke alarms. On average, the SAFE team visits 100 homes each month, helping to protect whānau and prevent fires. To date, they have visited over 4,700 homes, installing more than 8,800 smoke alarms across the Taradale, Napier, and Flaxmere regions.

Ken Knowles, SAFE Team Leader, highlights the sense of pride felt by volunteers: ‘We take great pride in expanding fire safety awareness and education within our communities. Our work is saving lives and homes.’

He notes that the programme allows volunteers to spend meaningful time with residents, offering the opportunity to discuss their concerns. ‘In many cases, we can spend more time with homeowners than a firefighter on a call might have,’ he adds.

Ken also mentions that the team is aware of at least six instances where their smoke alarm installations helped save lives. ‘The SAFE programme has undoubtedly made a life-saving impact,’ he says.

The programme recently welcomed 20 new volunteers with members speaking 10 different languages.

Nigel Hall, Hawke’s Bay’s Community Risk Manager, underscores the importance of this diversity. ‘One in six people in the region either come from overseas or speak a language other than English. Having such a varied group of volunteers helps us connect with a broader range of residents, empowering them to build resilience and be prepared for emergencies.’

Nigel also expresses admiration for the volunteers: ‘I continue to be inspired by the dedication of our volunteers. Their commitment to keeping our communities safe and thriving is invaluable. We hope this initiative continues to grow and reach even more homes in the future.’

SAFE Team heading out on their morning shift