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

Cook safely with hāngī, umu, and lovo this Christmas

Cook safely with hāngī, umu, and lovo this Christmas

22 December 2020

Fire and Emergency New Zealand wants people to safely use cultural cooking methods over the summer.

Fire and Emergency National Manager Kaupapa Māori Piki Thomas says, "hāngī, umu and lovo bring whanau and friends together in the festive season.

"Most of the country has fire restrictions in place because conditions are expected to be hot, dry and windy over the summer months.

"You don’t need a permit for hāngī or umu in a restricted season, if you follow our safety tips for preparing underground ovens in the hot dry summer months.

"Make sure your hāngī, umu or lovo is at least three metres away from structures like any part of a building, hedge, shelter belt or any other combustible material.

"Have a water hose handy to put your fire out if it gets out of control.

"Let your neighbours know you’re going to light a fire. Once they know where the smoke is coming from and the fire is under control and being monitored, they won’t feel they need to call the fire brigade." Mr Thomas says.

More information on cultural fires is available here https://www.checkitsalright.nz/reduce-your-risk/hāngī-umu-and-lovo.

The same advice applies to gas-operated and charcoal barbecues and pizza ovens. Find out more here https://www.checkitsalright.nz/reduce-your-risk

Back to news hub