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 in a house fire

E wātea ana tēnei whārangi ki te reo Māori
Tirohia ki te reo Māori
In case of emergency please call 111

If there's a fire in your house, you'll have around 3 minutes to get out before the fire becomes unsurvivable.

Here are the things you should do immediately:

  • If there are others in the house, shout 'FIRE, FIRE, FIRE!'
  • If there’s smoke, get on your hands and knees and crawl low and fast to escape smoke. The smoke will be hot and poisonous, and if you breathe it in, it can kill you. Remember: Get Down, Get Low, Get out.
  • If you can, close doors behind you to stop the fire spreading.
  • If you can't get out of the house, close the door of the room you're in and put a towel under it to stop the smoke coming in. Go to the window and yell 'FIRE, FIRE, FIRE!'. Wait for help.
  • If you can't open a window (if it has security stays, for example), consider using a chair or other furniture to break the glass. Use bedding to cover any remaining sharp pieces of glass to escape unharmed.
  • As soon as it's safe, call 111 immediately either from a mobile phone or a neighbour's house.
  • Meet at your agreed safe meeting place — somewhere safely away from the house. 

Once you're out of the house, stay out. Never go back inside.

Remember to let the arriving firefighters know whether you are all safety out or if there’s anyone missing. 

Make sure you have an escape plan so you know the fastest way to get out of your house in an emergency.

 

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