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

Investment in New West Coast Emergency Management Hub will Strengthen Community Resilience

Investment in New West Coast Emergency Management Hub will Strengthen Community Resilience

24 August 2026

Fire and Emergency New Zealand is converting a building beside the Greymouth Fire Station into an Emergency Management Hub that will house both its own West Coast based frontline operational leadership and West Coast Emergency Management.

This fit-for-purpose facility will support effective and efficient emergency management for West Coast Communities, strengthening collaboration between agencies during emergencies and day-to-day planning.

Acting District Commander Stephen Butler says the project is an important investment in the future of emergency management on the West Coast. The region’s relative isolation magnifies the challenges caused by severe weather, flooding, landslides and the ever-present risk of a major Alpine Fault earthquake. Greymouth plays a critical role in coordinating responses to these events, making reliable emergency management infrastructure essential for the region.

Currently, Fire and Emergency's West Coast staff operate from the Greymouth Fire Station. While this arrangement has served the district well, the building is no longer able to comfortably accommodate the Volunteer Fire Brigade’s operational requirements as well as the growing operational and administrative needs required to support the whole West Coast. Relocating District staff will free up valuable space, enabling firefighters to make greater use of the fire station facilities.

Claire Brown, Regional Manager of West Coast Emergency Management says the team will be leasing its share of the new facilities and looks forward to working alongside Fire and Emergency on a daily basis. "Working side by side helps us provide a more unified and coordinated service for our communities."

Key features of the project include:

  • Dedicated workspace for Fire and Emergency's West Coast District team made up of operational leaders, risk reduction and community readiness and recovery advisors, and support staff.
  • Dedicated space for West Coast Emergency Management.
  • Seismic strengthening to improve the building’s resilience.
  • Upgrades to building services, accessibility, technology and safety systems.
  • Improved facilities for emergency coordination activities.

Stephen Butler says West Coasters understand the importance of preparedness and strong partnerships. "This project will provide our people with a safe, functional workplace while bringing key emergency management agencies closer together. By working side by side, we can strengthen coordination, improve response capability and better support our communities when they need us most."

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