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

What to do after a fire

E wātea ana tēnei whārangi ki te reo Māori
Tirohia ki te reo Māori

If you've been involved in a serious fire, it's important you do not enter your damaged house unless you have to and an emergency services official has told you it's safe to go back in.

We'll check the water, electricity and gas supplies and either arrange to have them disconnected or let you know what to do next.

If you can't enter your home you'll need to arrange accommodation. You may need to stay with family, friends or in a motel for at least 1 night, or longer if there is serious damage to your house.

When your house is safe and you're allowed back, try to find your:

  • Identification
  • Insurance information
  • Medication information
  • Eye glasses
  • Hearing aid
  • Wallet and valuables

If the house is too damaged to live in, you should board up openings to discourage trespassers. You may need to arrange security patrols to protect your house from burglary.

Keep receipts for expenses resulting from the fire such as accommodation or clothes. Get supplies of medicine or eyeglasses.

Who to call

If you've been involved in a fire and need support, call these people and let them know what happened. They may be able to provide support.

  • Your insurance company
  • Family and friends
  • Your employer
  • Your child's school
  • Your bank or mortgage company

It's also important to contact anybody providing services to your property, such as:

  • Post office
  • Electricity supplier
  • Local council
  • Gas supplier
  • Phone and Internet provider

They'll be able to talk you through the next steps.

If you're a tenant

Contact your landlord as soon as possible.

If you're a Housing New Zealand tenant, contact your tenancy manager. Or call Housing New Zealand on 0800 801 601.

Who to contact for help:

After a fire, it's normal to feel unsettled and disrupted for a while. You may be able to overcome any problems yourself but don't be afraid to ask for help.

View our full list of national support services.

Insurance

If you're insured

Call your insurance company, agent or broker as soon as possible.

They'll tell you what you need to do next, such as securing your house and making a list of damaged items.

Don't remove any items from the property until you've talked to your insurance company. Don't throw away any damaged items in case they need to be assessed. Talk to your insurance company before arranging any repairs.

It's common for insurance companies to investigate claims. Try to remember any events leading up to your fire or other emergency. Make a note of these events and be prepared to answer questions from your insurer.

If you don't have insurance

If you don't have insurance, it may take some time to get back on your feet (depending on the seriousness of the damage).

If you need additional support, the community groups listed above might also be able to offer assistance.

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