Our 3-Step Escape Plan

  • First Escape Route
  • Second Escape Route
  • Meeting Place
Notes

Use this space to note any additional information about your escape plan, i.e. who will assist

Your checklist
  • Get low

    Smoke is poisonous and more deadly than flames.

    If you breathe smoke for more than a few breaths it can kill you.

  • Be fast

    A house fire can kill you in less than three minutes.

    Don't spend time trying to save possessions.

  • Close doors

    A closed door buys you time.

    It slows down the spread of fire, giving you more time to get to safety.

  • Get out - stay out!

    People have died by going back into a fire.

    Don't leave the meeting place to go back inside for any reason.

Fire & Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency urges people not to let off fireworks this summer

Fire and Emergency urges people not to let off fireworks this summer

Fire and Emergency New Zealand is urging people to not set off fireworks this New Year’s Eve and over the summer.

"We’ve seen in recent years that people buy fireworks at Guy Fawkes and store them away to light over the summer months," says Fire and Emergency’s Community Education Manager Adrian Nacey.

"Last year we were called to several fires over the New Year period started from fireworks, and this year our appeal to the public is do not set off any fireworks."

Large vegetation fires at Pegasus Beach and Te Mata Peak last year were caused by fireworks and resulted in communities being evacuated and thousands of native trees destroyed.

Earlier this month crews fought fires near Lake Dunstan in Central Otago that were also caused by fireworks.

"New Year’s Eve and the summer months is not the time to be setting off fireworks - particularly with the approaching El Niño weather conditions that are forecast to bring hotter, drier, and windier conditions in many parts of Aotearoa New Zealand.

"There may also be restrictions on the use of fireworks in your area during summer, so it’s important to check at www.checkitsalright.nz for current bans, the fire season, and the fire danger.

"If you want to bring in the New Year with a bang, we recommend attending public fireworks displays where possible.

"It’s easy to do your part to keep your community safe over the holidays."

ENDS

For more information, please contact the Fire and Emergency New Zealand media team.

media@fireandemergency.nz

027 591 8837

Spokespeople also available in te reo.