Home stay accommodation to be sprinklered

Visitors to larger home stay premises will have the added protection of a home sprinkler system under a new agreement between the New Zealand Fire Service and @Home New Zealand, the association representing all major home stays.

This agreement will affect home stay accommodation for premises that can host more than five guests at a time. This will mean about 3000 premises will improve their fire safety provisions.

This agreement exceeds standards requirements, which include smoke alarms and an approved evacuation scheme.

Fire Service Fire Safety Director Jim Dance congratulated @Home New Zealand saying its support for home sprinklers showed great foresight.

“It is uncommon for an organisation to voluntarily agree to do more than the building code requires. This is a very positive move and one that will give home stay visitors greater protection and security.”

This is the third voluntary agreement between the Fire Service and the association. Mr Dance said the association had continued to be innovative and supportive in the interests of protecting its clients.

The Fire Service is encouraging the installation of home sprinklers as part of a fire safety package that also includes smoke alarms and escape plans. This ensures protection for lives and property.

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