FAIP referrals are received by our regional coordinators through:

• direct contact from members of the public (phone calls to a region office during business hours)
• e-mails to a common national e-mail address (FAIP@fire.org.nz) and forwarded onto the appropriate coordinator
• our national free call phone (0800 FireInfo)
• fire fighters providing information to the regional coordinator on behalf of and with Parental consent
• social agencies, police and schools, using referral form on our web site

Process following referral

On receiving a referral the Regional coordinator will decide who should interview a particular client and send the file to the appropriate FAIP practitioner.

A phone call to make an appointment occurs within three days of the initial contact, and the intervention takes place within ten days. The probability of another incident is greatly reduced when there is a quick response.

Conducting the intervention

Most interviews are at the home of the client. This is usually the most convenient place for the family.  It also offers the FAIP Practitioner the chance to evaluate the environment and any variables there.

The client and family should feel more comfortable and open in their own home environment.  It is also usually the scene of most of the client’s fire activity. Interventions may be conducted at schools when it is not practical to do this in the child's home. The privacy and anonymity of the client and their family is of utmost importance and is always maintained.

Prior to the intervention, parents or caregivers complete a consent form and assist in completing a profile form during the intervention. Parents/caregivers must be present at all times during the session.

Stages of a visit

There are several distinct stages and tasks to an FAIP intervention, these are:

1. Introduction / rapport building
2. Consent form explanation and signature
3. Profile form completion (this may be completed at the conclusion of the visit)
4. Strategy / fire safety education (Workbooks / DVDs / Photo books)
5. Homework
6. Home smoke alarms and fire escape plan
7. Set date and time for second visit