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

Don’t light fires in strong winds this weekend

Don’t light fires in strong winds this weekend

4 December 2020

Fire and Emergency is urging people to be fire safe this weekend with strong winds expected across inland parts of Southland, Fiordland, Otago, Canterbury, Wellington and the Wairarapa. The winds are expected to kick in late Sunday afternoon and last through to Tuesday. 

"Whatever fire season is current in your area, please don’t light fires until there is little or no wind. Strong winds increase the fire danger level and make it harder to control any fires that start," says National Wildfire Specialist Graeme Still.

"It’s also important to check old burn sites are fully out so the wind doesn’t cause a fire to flare up," says Graeme Still.

"Dig right down into the site, pour water over it and then check with the back of your hand that there is no heat."

With these seasonal weather events, it’s also timely to make sure your property is safe from the risk of wildfire. Especially those living in rural communities, on lifestyle blocks and near town boundaries or large areas of scrub and bush. This includes maintaining a defendable area free of leaves and long grass around your home and removing flammables such as firewood from up against the house.

There is more information on how you can reduce the risk of fire at https://checkitsalright.nz/reduce-the-risk/safeguarding-your-property

"Hotter, dryer days are expected this summer so make sure you’re familiar with the fire season in your area, and always consider the conditions before you light a fire" says Graeme Still.

Go to www.checkitsalright.nz for advice and further information.

Back to news hub