It is the most wonderful time of the year so it is imperative to be safe over the summer holiday.
“Expect Police patrols anytime, anywhere!”
That is the message from Superintendent Fata Willi Fanene from the New Zealand Police to make sure you don’t end up on Santa’s naughty list.
“Speeding, drinking alcohol, using drugs, distractions, and not wearing seatbelts are still the main causes of road tragedies,” says Fanene.
19 people died on our roads over the Christmas-New Year holiday period last year and police will be out on the roads during the holidays, including in places you might not expect, to help keep everyone safe.
“If you’re caught speeding, driving under the influence, using your phone, or not buckling up, you can expect a ticket.
“Take your time, drive carefully, and always follow the rules of the road,” Fanene says.
But if you plan to go away, ensure your home and belongings are secure—lock windows, doors, and gates, and let trusted neighbours or family know of your plans.
Deck the halls!
Yes, if you are hosting at home and fancy cooking up a storm, one guest you don’t want to turn up in his fire truck is Kisione Fonua.
“Make sure your hāngī, umu lovo or braai is at least 3m away from any structure, bush, or combustible material,” says Fonua.
And it’s important to keep an eye on the weather, don’t burn anything if it’s too windy.
“Place embers from the fire to cool on a non-flammable material while your hāngī, umu lovo or braai is still cooking.”
Oh and don’t forget to talanoa with your neighbours to let them know you’re having a hāngī, umu lovo or braai. Remember before you light, always check the local Fire Danger at checkitsalright.nz or call 09 486 7948 to alert authorities.
Silent night?
Ok so some people have saved fireworks from GuyFawkes this year to light up during the holidays. Fonua is warning us to remember fireworks can be dangerous and pose a high fire risk.
“Carefully read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions before using any fireworks.
“Light your fireworks in a wide-open area, away from anything that could catch fire, like dry grass, leaves or crops, or flammable gases or liquids,” says Fonua.
Always keep a bucket of water, hose or fire extinguisher handy.
Dreaming of a White Christmas.
While there won’t be any snow on this side of the world in our summer, it is predicted to be a hot one here in Aotearoa New Zealand.
And many will be heading to the pool, lake, river, or ocean to cool off, fishing, gather kaimoana, exercise, or get adventurous.
However you enjoy the water, Nicola Keen-Biggelaar of Drowning Prevention Auckland wants you to make sure you do it and return to your families safely.
“Drowning rate by ethnicity (fatalities per 100,00), sadly, Pacific Peoples are almost over-represented in both the Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland and Aotearoa New Zealand populations.”
Last year, seven percent of the drowning fatalities nationally were Pacific Peoples, and 15% of the drowning fatalities in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland were Pacific Peoples. These are preventable deaths.
“Our waterways are not as calm as those in the Pacific Islands and people continue to overestimate their ability and underestimate the risk.
“Our environment can change quickly, and the interaction between a rapidly changing environment and a lack of understanding of the risks, combines to a greater chance of tragedy,” says Keen-Biggelaar.
Float, Breathe, Signal, Survive.
Float first, breathe normally, Signal for help and survive by swimming or floating.
Knowing how to float is an important safety message.
“Floating is the best thing that you can do to conserve energy and to minimise the panic you are feeling. Doing this even for a minute, means you can think more clearly about the actions you are going to take to try and get out of trouble.”
To find out more check out this link
So enjoy the festivities and the reasons for the season and have yourself a merry little Christmas now.
