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

Becoming part of a brigade

Your journey starts with a simple step - either reaching out to your local brigade directly or registering your interest online.

If it feels like a good match, you’ll typically be invited along to attend several training nights. It’s your chance to get up close, meet the team, and experience what being part of a brigade is really like.

After the initial engagement period, here are the formal steps to becoming a brigade member:

Step 1: Interview

You’ll meet with the local Brigade Leader(s) for a conversation about your interest, experience, and what volunteering could look like for you.

Step 2: Formal online application

If you and the local Brigade Leader agree it’s a good match, they’ll help you complete your formal online application.

Step 3: Police and medical checks

All volunteers must pass Police vetting. Firefighters and anyone who responds to medical emergencies must also pass a medical test. Operational Support volunteers need to do a medical self-assessment.

Step 4: Application processing

Applications take approximately 35 days to process. We will contact you about whether your application has been successful or not.

Step 5: Welcome to the team

If your application is successful, you're one step closer to becoming part of the brigade. Once formally accepted, we’ll issue you with a uniform and you’ll start attending regular training nights. Uniforms or attending training may be optional for brigade support volunteers at some brigades.

Step 6: Training

Depending on your volunteer role, you’ll start a formal training programme. This may include formal training courses, which are held locally or at our training centres and are up to a week-long.