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

Check your old burn piles are out before the holidays

Check your old burn piles are out before the holidays

20 December 2024

Fire and Emergency New Zealand is urging people to check their old burn piles are completely out before the Christmas/New Year holidays.

Wildfire Manager Tim Mitchell says recent rain may have wet the surface but will not have penetrated deep into the soil, and any hold-over fire could be burning below the surface.

"While we’re expecting some cooler weather, it is summer, and New Zealand is drying out fast in many parts of the motu," Tim Mitchell says.

"Hot windy weather is the perfect condition for old fires to reignite and escape.

"Firefighters are regularly called out over the Christmas/New Year period to put out escaped burn piles, and this year we want to prevent that happening.

"If you’ve been burning vegetation any time in the last few months or so, check the fire is completely extinguished," he says.

"If there’s hot ash, and it’s safe to do so, dig into it, spread it out and pour water over it.

We’re asking everyone to help us keep the country free of preventable fires this summer.

"No matter where you end up in the country this Christmas, please consider the wildfire risk and always go to www.checkitsalright.nz before lighting any fires or undertaking activities that could cause sparks."

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