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

Care still required during Open Fire Season in Otago

Care still required during Open Fire Season in Otago

17 May 2021

Otago District has moved to an open fire season today (Monday 17 May) and Fire and Emergency is reminding the public that they must still take all precautions before lighting any fires in the open.

Principal Rural Fire Officer Mark Mawhinney says recent rain and lower temperatures have enabled Otago to shift from a restricted fire season to an open season, which means that permits are not required for open fires in most cases.

"While we have relaxed the restrictions, anyone wanting to burn still needs to plan ahead, checking weather and wind forecasts, and take necessary precautions," Mark says. 

"Unplanned burns tie up our volunteer fire response resources, take our volunteers out of their normal jobs and potentially delay response times to other urgent incidents. They can also cause substantial losses to other properties."

Our Fire Safety At Home page provides advice on how to reduce the risk when lighting all kinds of fires in the open. To check on conditions relating to your property go to www.checkitsalright.nz.

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