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.

Call emergency services as soon as you are out and safe. Ask for FIRE.

Clearly state your address and let the operator know it anyone is still inside or has not made it to the safe meeting place.

Emergency call 111 Emergency text 111
Fire & Emergency New Zealand

News and media

Showing 8 of 1148 news articles.

Large vegetation fires in Canterbury last week caused by strong winds that fanned embers from burn piles icon

Large vegetation fires in Canterbury last week caused by strong winds that fanned embers from burn piles

25 September 2025 | Community Education

Fire and Emergency New Zealand is asking the public to be vigilant after embers from burn piles caused large vegetation fires last week.

Saving lives this Daylight Saving - check you have working smoke alarms in the right places icon

Saving lives this Daylight Saving - check you have working smoke alarms in the right places

25 September 2025 | Community Education

When the clocks spring forward this weekend make that a reminder to check your smoke alarms are working and in the right places.

Strong winds raise the risk of fires icon

Strong winds raise the risk of fires

20 September 2025 | Announcements

Fire and Emergency is urging people not to light outdoor fires in areas covered by this weekend's strong wind warnings.

25 new career firefighters join the Fire and Emergency New Zealand team icon

25 new career firefighters join the Fire and Emergency New Zealand team

18 September 2025 | Announcements

Fire and Emergency New Zealand welcomed 25 new career firefighters at a graduation ceremony in Rotorua today.

High winds a fire danger in Hawke’s Bay icon

High winds a fire danger in Hawke’s Bay

18 September 2025 | Emergency Information

Hawke's Bay people urged to avoid lighting fires in high winds

Southbridge Canterbury vegetation fire update 3 icon

Southbridge Canterbury vegetation fire update 3

18 September 2025 | Emergency Information

Southbridge vegetation fire now contained

Southbridge Canterbury Vegetation fire update 2 icon

Southbridge Canterbury Vegetation fire update 2

18 September 2025 | Emergency Information

Southbridge vegetation fire controlled to 38 hectares

Final Fire and Emergency New Zealand deployed firefighter returns home from Canada icon

Final Fire and Emergency New Zealand deployed firefighter returns home from Canada

18 September 2025 | Deployments

A total of 59 personnel were deployed across more than two months to Alberta and Manitoba.