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
Fire & Emergency New Zealand

Bans on fire risk activities for Otago

Bans on fire risk activities for Otago

17 February 2023

Fire and Emergency is prohibiting a number of activities which could spark a fire in the Otago district over the next few days.

Most of Otago is already in a prohibited fire season, which means a total ban on open air fires.

Otago District Manager Phil Marsh says people need to stop all roadside mowing, scrub cutting or weed eating with a blade, grinding, welding, and gas-cutting outdoors and mulching. All fireworks are also prohibited.

"Right now, conditions are so dry that any heat or sparks could easily start a fire, which would spread very quickly and be extremely difficult to manage," Phil Marsh said.

"A lack of any significant rainfall so far this year and continuing high daily temperatures are the main cause of these conditions, but the forecast over the next four days also has high winds in the mix.

"This temporary ban under Section 52 of the Fire and Emergency New Zealand Act will take effect at midday on Saturday 18 February and continue until 11.59pm on Tuesday 21 February."

Back to news hub