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

Prepare your draft evacuation scheme

Building owners need to prepare a draft evacuation scheme to be provided to your building’s occupants before submitting your application for approval online.

On this page

  • Prepare a draft scheme document before applying online for approval
  • What buildings require an approved evacuation scheme?
  • Apply for approval of your evacuation scheme
  • What you'll need to do
  • Examples and templates
  • FAQs
  • Related content

Prepare a draft scheme document before applying online for approval

Before starting the evacuation scheme approval application process, you’ll need to create your own draft evacuation scheme which will be supplied to occupants of your building. 

Related steps:

Already have a draft evacuation scheme?
Step 2: Apply for an evacuation scheme approval.

Already have an approved evacuation scheme?
Step 3: Maintain your schemes - trial evacuations & training.

Looking for the legal requirements around evacuation schemes?
Regulations for evacuation schemes.

What buildings require an approved evacuation scheme?

Landlords and building owners of ‘relevant buildings’ require an approved evacuation scheme. Before applying for approval, you’ll need to get together a draft proposal for your scheme.

‘Relevant buildings’ include:

  • Buildings where 100 or more people can gather together.
  • Buildings where 10 or more people work.
  • Buildings where six or more people sleep, unless there are three or fewer households.
  • Buildings storing certain levels of hazardous substances.
  • Buildings used for early childhood, medical, and disabled care services, unless the building is a normal home.
  • Prisons and holding cells.

For a complete list and full details of buildings that are ‘relevant buildings’ refer to section 75(external link) of the Fire and Emergency New Zealand Act 2017.

Apply for approval of your evacuation scheme

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What you'll need to do

Before applying for approval of an evacuation scheme, you’ll need to create a draft proposal for your evacuation scheme.

This should include:

  • the building’s evacuation procedure, which will be supplied to occupants
  • copies of fire action signs and notices
  • details of the places of safety, where they are located, and how they are reached
  • description of the building’s firefighting equipment (if applicable)
  • description of the building’s automatic sprinkler systems (if applicable)
  • description of the building’s fire alarm/means of warning occupants of a fire
  • description of the building’s provision for people requiring particular assistance
  • a plan for the regular maintenance of the evacuation scheme by either trial evacuations or training.

For more details, see regulations for evacuation schemes.

FAQs

What is a template?

When you complete an application online, it can be saved as a template for future applications.

To use a template, open the template and edit the details that are different from the previous building.

We recommend only using these if the evacuation procedure is similar in the building you're applying for.

 Can I create a template from scratch?

This feature isn't currently available. A template is created from a previously submitted application.

 Can I edit an existing template?

This feature isn't currently available. A template is created from a previously submitted application.

 Can I edit the template name and/or description?

This feature isn't currently available.

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