Raumati Safety and Awareness these holidays

Stay Fire Safe This Summer

Much of Hawke’s Bay is currently in a restricted fire season – you need a permit from Fire and Emergency NZ before lighting any fire outdoors. 

Before Lighting Any Fire: ✓ Check if it’s safe at www.checkitsalright.nz ✓ Check what fire season applies to your area ✓ Apply for a fire permit if required ✓ NEVER light fires during a total fire ban 

 Protect Your Property: 

• Clear gutters of dead leaves, debris and pine needles 

• Keep grass short and green around buildings 

• Remove flammable materials from against your house (including firewood and flammable doormats) 

• Remove highly flammable plants close to buildings 

• Ensure firefighters can access your property – clear driveways and make your address visible 

BBQ Safety: 

• Check gas connections for leaks (apply soapy water – if it foams, you have a leak) 

• Keep BBQs clean and in good working order 

• Never BBQ indoors 

• Have separate utensils for raw and cooked food 

• Dispose of ashes safely – they can stay hot for 5 days! Put in metal bucket with lid and douse with water 

If You See a Wildfire: Call 111 immediately and evacuate if unsafe 

Resources: 

• Check fire season & get permits: www.checkitsalright.nz 

• Fire and Emergency NZ: www.fireandemergency.nz 

• Civil Defence wildfire info: www.getready.govt.nz/emergency/wildfires 

Enjoy the Water Safely 

Drowning is the leading cause of recreational death in New Zealand. This summer, let’s all play our part in water safety. 

 The Water Safety Code: 

• Be Prepared – Know your swimming ability and limitations 

• Look After Yourself and Others – Active supervision of children at all times 

• Be Aware of the Dangers – Understand rips, currents, and changing conditions 

• Know Your Limits – Don’t overestimate your ability or underestimate the risks 

Beach Safety: 

• Swim between the red and yellow flags at patrolled beaches 

• Never swim alone 

• Ask lifeguards for advice about conditions 

• Be aware of rips – if caught, float and raise your hand for help 

• Check conditions at www.safeswim.org.nz 

River & Lake Safety: 

• Check water quality before swimming 

• Understand river currents and underwater hazards 

• Never dive into unknown waters 

• Be extra cautious after rain when water levels and currents change 

Boating & Water Activities: 

• ALWAYS wear a lifejacket on boats 6 metres and under 

• Ensure lifejackets fit properly 

• Check weather and water conditions before heading out 

• Tell someone your plans and expected return time 

Supervising Children: 

• Keep children within arm’s reach and constant sight 

• Don’t be distracted by phones or conversation 

• Empty paddling pools after use 

• Ensure pool fences and gates are secure 

If Someone is in Trouble: 

• Call 111 for Police 

• Reach – throw something that floats 

• Don’t jump in yourself unless trained 

Resources: 

• Water Safety NZ: www.watersafetynz.org 

• Drowning Prevention Auckland: www.dpanz.org.nz 

• Safe Swim (beach water quality): www.safeswim.org.nz 

Water Matters – Use it Wisely 

Hawke’s Bay is under Level 2 Water Restrictions due to record-low aquifer levels and dry conditions. 

Current Restrictions (Napier & Hastings): 

• Sprinklers and hoses: 6-8am and 7-9pm ONLY 

• Odd-numbered houses: ODD dates only 

• Even-numbered houses: EVEN dates only 

• Hand-held watering allowed anytime 

• Restrictions apply to ALL properties on public water supply 

Why Water Restrictions Matter: 

• Our aquifer is at record low levels 

• Summer usage nearly doubles compared to winter 

• We need to protect our water for drinking, cooking and hygiene 

• Rivers and streams across the region have very low flows 

Water-Saving Tips: 

• Fix leaking taps and pipes immediately 

• Take shorter showers (4 minutes or less) 

• Turn off taps while brushing teeth or washing dishes 

• Only run dishwashers and washing machines when full 

• Use ‘eco’ settings on appliances 

• Mulch gardens to retain moisture 

• Water gardens in early morning or evening to reduce evaporation 

• Collect water in the shower while waiting for it to warm up 

• “If it’s yellow, let it mellow” – reduce toilet flushing 

Resources: 

• Hastings District Council: www.hastingsdc.govt.nz/services/water/drinking-water/water-conservation 

• Napier City Council: www.napier.govt.nz 

• Hawke’s Bay Regional Council: www.hbrc.govt.nz 

Keep Food Safe in the Heat 

Summer means barbecues and outdoor eating – but bacteria multiply faster in warm weather! 

The Four Cs of Food Safety: 

• CLEAN – Wash hands with soap and water before, during and after food prep 

• COOK – Cook food thoroughly until juices run clear 

• CHILL – Keep food covered and chilled until cooking; refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours 

• COVER – Keep food covered to prevent contamination 

BBQ Safety: 

• Clean BBQ and utensils with soap and water before use 

• Marinate meat in covered container in fridge or chilly bin 

• Use separate utensils, plates and boards for raw and cooked food 

• Never let raw meat touch cooked food or salads 

• Cook chicken until juices run clear – no pink inside! 

• Don’t leave food out in the heat before OR after cooking 

Chicken Safety (Major Cause of Summer Illness!): 

• DON’T wash chicken – it spreads bacteria around your kitchen 

• Pat dry with paper towel instead and bin it immediately 

• Wash hands thoroughly after handling raw chicken 

• Keep raw chicken away from ready-to-eat foods 

• Use separate chopping boards for raw chicken 

• Wash all surfaces with hot soapy water after preparing chicken 

Chilly Bin Tips: 

• Freeze ice packs or water bottles beforehand 

• Pack chilly bin just before leaving 

• Keep in shade and open only when needed 

• Store raw meat at bottom, away from ready-to-eat food 

Leftovers: 

• Refrigerate within 2 hours 

• Eat within 2 days 

• When in doubt, throw it out! 

Resources: 

• NZ Food Safety: www.mpi.govt.nz/food-safety-home 

• Summer food safety tips: www.mpi.govt.nz/food-safety-home/preparing-and-storing-food-safely-at-home/summer-food-safety 

• Questions: info@mpi.govt.nz 

Arrive Alive This Summer  

Summer roads are busier with holidaymakers, roadworks and increased traffic. Take extra care! 

Before You Travel: 

• Check your vehicle: tyres (min 1.5mm tread), lights, indicators, windscreen, wipers 

• Ensure WOF/COF is current 

• Plan your route using NZTA Journey Planner: www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz 

• Check traffic and weather updates 

• Allow EXTRA time – distances take longer than expected on NZ roads 

Safe Driving Tips: 

• Drive to the conditions – adjust speed for weather and traffic 

• Take regular breaks every 2 hours – don’t drive tired 

• Stay alert and focused – put phone away 

• Keep a safe following distance (2-second rule minimum) 

• Expect roadworks and temporary speed limits 

• Never drive if you’ve been drinking or taking drugs 

• Share driving on long trips 

In Hot Weather: 

• NEVER leave children or pets in parked cars – they heat up dangerously fast 

• Keep water in the car 

• Use air conditioning or create cross-breeze 

• Take breaks in shaded rest areas 

Speed & Alcohol Limits: 

• Follow all speed limits and temporary roadwork limits 

• Under 20 years: ZERO alcohol limit 

• Over 20 years: 250mcg breath alcohol limit (but safest not to drink at all if driving) 

• If you’ve been drinking the night before, wait until you’re completely sober 

Resources: 

• NZTA Journey Planner: www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz 

• Traffic updates Hawke’s Bay: www.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/hawkes-bay 

• Road safety information: www.nzta.govt.nz/safety 

• Facebook: facebook.com/WakaKotahiHBG 

Celebrate Safely This Summer 

Summer brings parties and celebrations – enjoy responsibly! 

Know Your Limits: 

• Standard drink = 10g pure alcohol (check labels on bottles/cans) 

• For long-term health, have at least 2 alcohol-free days per week 

• Men: No more than 15 standard drinks per week 

• Women: No more than 10 standard drinks per week 

• Under 18: Not drinking is safest option 

Remember: 

• Low-risk is not ‘no risk’ – alcohol is a carcinogen 

• Your body processes about 1 standard drink per hour 

• You can’t speed this up with coffee, cold showers, or food 

• Alcohol may affect you the next day even if you feel fine 

• Alcohol dehydrates you more in hot weather 

Safe Celebrations: 

• Eat before and while drinking 

• Alternate alcoholic drinks with water 

• Never drink and drive – arrange transport before going out 

• Look after your mates 

• Know when to say no 

Hosting Responsibly: 

• Provide plenty of food and non-alcoholic drinks 

• Don’t encourage excessive drinking 

• Ensure guests have safe transport home 

• Never serve alcohol to intoxicated people 

• If supplying to under-18s (with parental consent), do so responsibly 

Signs Someone Needs Help: 

• Confusion or slurred speech 

• Vomiting 

• Slow or irregular breathing 

• Pale or bluish skin 

• Unconsciousness or difficulty waking 

Call 111 if someone is unconscious, having seizures, or breathing irregularly 

Get Help: 

• Alcohol Drug Helpline: 0800 787 797 (24/7) 

• Text: 8681 for text support 

• www.alcoholdrughelp.org.nz 

Resources: 

• Alcohol.org.nz: www.alcohol.org.nz 

• Health Promotion Agency: www.hpa.org.nz 

• Standard drinks guide: www.alcohol.org.nz/help-and-support/advice/standard-drinks-and-legal-limits 

Protecting Our Water for Future Generations 

Water is a taonga (treasure) for all of Hawke’s Bay. Let’s respect and protect it. 

Why Water Quality Matters: 

• The Heretaunga Plains aquifer supplies drinking water to Napier and Hastings 

• Rivers and streams support our environment, agriculture and recreation 

• Our region has experienced consecutive months of below-normal rainfall 

• Aquifer levels are at record lows in some areas 

How You Can Help: 

• Conserve water daily, not just during restrictions 

• Never dump chemicals, oils or waste down drains 

• Properly dispose of hazardous materials 

• Keep waterways clear of rubbish 

• Report pollution incidents immediately 

• Support local water conservation initiatives 

Swimming Water Quality: 

• Check before you swim: www.lawa.org.nz 

• Avoid swimming after heavy rain when runoff increases 

• Don’t swim near stormwater outlets 

• Report any concerns about water quality 

Respect Our Environment: 

• Take your rubbish with you 

• Use bins at rest stops 

• Don’t litter on highways or in natural areas 

• Protect native plants and wildlife 

• Leave natural areas as you found them 

Resources: 

• Hawke’s Bay Regional Council: www.hbrc.govt.nz 

• Water quality info: www.lawa.org.nz 

• Report pollution: 0800 108 838 (HBRC 24/7 pollution hotline)