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 urge New Zealanders to stay fire safe

News and media|17 August 2020

New Zealanders are urged to stay fire safe after fires over the weekend caused severe damage to homes in Manawatu, Otago, Whanganui & a caravan in Christchurch.

Te Puna Snodgrass Road vegetation fire update #4

News and media|21 November 2024

A vegetation fire in shelter belts on Snodgrass Road near Te Puna, Bay of Plenty, is now contained with three crews back on the fire ground today monitoring and mopping up hot spots.

Firefighters respond to over 800 calls for assistance

News and media|16 February 2026

Firefighters are continuing to respond to calls for assistance from people affected by the storm moving across the country.

Rural property checklist

Found in: Outdoor and rural fire safety | Farms and rural businesses

If you live or work on a rural property or rural business, there are specific things you should do to prepare for the possibility of a fire emergency.

Protect your home from outdoor fires

Found in: Outdoor and rural fire safety

Other people’s fires can threaten your home. There's a lot you can do as a homeowner to protect your property from fires that have grown out of control.

Extreme weather events: safety tips and support

Found in: Incidents and news

Safety tips during and after an extreme weather event like a cyclone, high winds or flood.

Older people are more likely to die in a house fire this winter – check they are fire safe today

News and media|12 June 2025

More than half of the fatalities in house fires in the last five years were people over 60, Fire and Emergency New Zealand says.

Kelburn house fire update #2

News and media|26 November 2024

Fire and Emergency New Zealand has contained a house fire in Kelburn, Wellington.