Apiti Volunteer Firebrigade

07/09/2026

07/09/2026

🌧️💨 Strong Winds and Heavy rain on Way – Take Care and Be Prepared 💨🌧️

With strong winds and heavy rain affecting parts of our region, now is a good time to make sure you and your property are prepared.

🏡 Before the weather arrives:

🔥 If you have a burn pile, make sure it is completely extinguished. Strong winds can cause embers to reignite and spread.
💨 Secure outdoor furniture, trampolines and other loose items that could be blown around.
🌿 Check for loose branches and keep clear of trees during strong winds.

🌧️ Clear gutters and drains where it is safe to do so.
🚗 Take extra care on the roads and drive to the conditions.
📱 Keep up to date with the latest weather warnings and follow advice from local authorities and emergency services.

⚠️ Conditions can change quickly, so take a few minutes now to prepare.

Keep yourself, your whānau and your neighbours safe, and don't take unnecessary risks. 💙🚒

31/08/2026

🌿🐦 Spring is almost here and that means nesting season is about to begin! 🐦🌿

As the weather warms up, birds may start looking for sheltered places to build their nests 🪺 including under the bonnets of cars, tractors and other machinery. 🚗🚜

Before starting a vehicle or piece of machinery that hasn’t been used for a while, take a moment to check for:

✔️ Nests, twigs, hay or other nesting material
✔️ Signs that birds may have made a home under the bonnet or around the engine
✔️ Any debris that could become a fire hazard once the engine heats up 🔥

A quick check could help protect our feathered friends and prevent a potential fire. 💙🚒

Spring is a great reminder to check before you start! 🐦🚗

19/07/2026

22/06/2026

It's stating the obvious, but you must make space for emergency vehicles that have their sirens or lights on.

If an emergency vehicle is heading in your direction on a road with multiple lanes in the same direction, slow down and get into the left-most lane, then move as far left as is safe. This'll let the emergency vehicle pass you using the lane to your right.

If traffic is congested, and you’re in the right-most lane, pull over as far to the right as possible. This’ll create a gap in the middle for the emergency vehicle.

Emergency vehicle drivers are trained to navigate around traffic, so you slowing and stopping safely, and being predictable, will help them pass you safely.

One emergency vehicle can be followed by another, so wait, check your mirrors, and only continue when it’s safe.

22/06/2026

🔌⚠️ Do Not Overload Multi-Boards ⚠️🔌

Multi-boards and power strips are handy, but plugging too many high-powered appliances into one outlet can create a serious fire risk. 🔥

To stay safe:
✔️ Avoid plugging heaters, electric blankets, dryers, and other high-powered appliances into the same multi-board
✔️ Never plug one multi-board into another
✔️ Check for damaged cords, plugs, or outlets
✔️ Make sure multi-boards have adequate ventilation and aren't covered by furniture, clothing, or bedding

⚠️ If a multi-board feels hot, smells unusual, or shows signs of damage, stop using it immediately.

A few simple checks can help prevent an electrical fire and keep your whānau safe this winter. 💙🏡

For further information please check: https://www.fireandemergency.nz/home-fire-safety/sort-your-home-fire-safety/

22/06/2026