Older Kiwis are most at risk in winter house fires, especially right now.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand is urging Coasties to check in on elderly neighbours, friends, and family before tragedy strikes.

More than half of all house fire fatalities in the past five years were people over 60.

That’s 55%, according to Acting Deputy Chief Executive Nick Pyatt.

“Every one of these tragedies was preventable,” he says.

The main culprits?

Heaters, electric blankets, hot ashes, and overloaded dryers.

These fires surge in May, June, and July, making this the most dangerous time of year for older people.

Coast homes are often a mix of older properties and retired residents.

It’s up to all of us to keep each other safe.

If you’re heading out for a visit this week, take a few moments to check:

• Are there working smoke alarms in bedrooms and living spaces?
• Is anything too close to the heater?
• Are there at least two safe exits from the home?

It only takes five minutes, but it could save a life.

Not sure what to look for?

Use Fire and Emergency’s easy online safety checklist here: fireandemergency.nz/home-fire-safety/sort-your-home-fire-safety

Let’s make sure no one on the Hibiscus Coast is left vulnerable this winter.

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