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

Search results for Now, the roofs are coming off the houses! Evacuation in New Zealand! Cyclone Gabrielle!

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Fire and Emergency New Zealand fire and weather update 2 - 23 October 6pm

News and media|23 October 2025

Fire and Emergency New Zealand crews have been busy today responding to weather related callouts across the country.

Smoke alarms save lives - stay safe this winter

News and media|6 May 2020

"If it wasn’t for the smoke alarms, we wouldn’t be here," says Merv Clearwater of East Taieri whose house was severely damaged by fire in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Bridge Hill fire update #5

News and media|5 December 2024

Despite darkness now descending on the Bridge Hill fire, Fire and Emergency will still be conducting active firefighting throughout the night.

Kirwee fire update #6

News and media|5 February 2024

Residents evacuated following a large scrub fire near Kirwee will be able to return to their properties late this morning.

Serious fire risk across South Island this weekend

News and media|17 February 2023

People in the South Island are being encouraged to assist Fire and Emergency by reducing the risk of sparking an unwanted fire this weekend.

New Zealanders warned about escalating NZPFU strike action

News and media|12 February 2026

Fire and Emergency New Zealand is warning New Zealanders about the increasing threat posed by the New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union (NZPFU) escalating its industrial relations activity to two one-hour strikes per week.

Fire and Emergency honours recipients congratulated

News and media|31 December 2025

Fire and Emergency New Zealand Board Chair Rebecca Keoghan congratulates seven personnel, both paid and volunteer, from Ashburton, Leeston, Amberley, Napier, Wairoa, Te Aroha and Rongotea who have been recognised in the 2026 New Year Honours List released today.

Switch off before you walk off

News and media|18 April 2020

Unattended cooking is the biggest cause of house fires in New Zealand – a fire risk that is higher than ever under the COVID-19 lockdown.