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

11,800 Fire and Emergency New Zealand volunteers honoured

11,800 Fire and Emergency New Zealand volunteers honoured

15 June 2026

More than 11,800 Fire and Emergency New Zealand volunteers across 590 volunteer fire brigades are being celebrated this week for Te Wiki Tūao ā-Motu - National Volunteer Week.

National Commander Kerry Gregory says volunteers are a critical part of Fire and Emergency’s workforce.

"Our gratitude and respect for our volunteers extends beyond one week," Kerry Gregory says.

"Many New Zealanders don’t know that volunteers make up approximately 80 per cent of our personnel and they are available to serve their communities 24/7 365 days a year. Fire and Emergency couldn’t provide the service we do to communities without them.

"Te Wiki Tūao ā-Motu - National Volunteer Week gives us the public platform to thank our volunteers for their service, as well as their whānau, friends and employers, that make volunteering possible" Kerry Gregory says.

"Volunteer roles vary greatly with people volunteering as firefighters, operational support, medical first responders and brigade support. They attend callouts, training, and community events, which often mean time away from work and home. 

"Our volunteers can’t do it alone and National Volunteer week is an opportunity to really highlight the role employers of our volunteers and families play in keeping our communities safe by releasing our people from work to attend incidents and supporting them right across the country. They are an essential part of the support crew who keep New Zealand safe. A huge thank you for the ongoing support they all give to our people.

"Our volunteers come from all walks of life but share one thing in common - they generously volunteer their time to serve their communities in addition to whānau, mahi and other responsibilities.

"We want to raise awareness of the incredible work our volunteers do and give the public a chance to thank them too.

"We’re inviting people to go to our Facebook or Instagram pages and leave a message of thanks or support.

"It’s an honour and a privilege to lead an organisation full of people that are committed to our core purpose - serving communities together." 

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