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

Let off fireworks safely this Guy Fawkes

Let off fireworks safely this Guy Fawkes

1 November 2022

Fire and Emergency is calling for people to be careful when letting off fireworks this Guy Fawkes, particularly with high winds forecast across the motu.

Community Education Manager, Adrian Nacey says people shouldn’t light fireworks if it’s too windy.

"It only takes a stray firework to start a fire or hurt someone, so if you’re lighting fireworks this Guy Fawkes please take simple precautions to keep everyone safe," he says.

"Fireworks can make a fun celebration, but they can also be dangerous and need to be used responsibly.

"Make sure you have a safe set up when lighting your fireworks. Light them in a wide-open space, away from anything that could catch fire and have a bucket of water or hose nearby.

"Ensure your fireworks are pointed at the sky and not at people, pets or anyone’s home.

"Let your neighbours know if you are planning to set off fireworks and keep your pets inside.

"Check local bylaws for the rules around using fireworks in your area. In many places, you're only allowed to light fireworks on private property and some places, like the Queenstown Red Zone and Mt Iron in Wanaka, have permanent fireworks bans.

"Lastly, dispose of your fireworks safely and soak them in water before you throw them out."

If there is a public fireworks display in your area, Fire and Emergency encourage you to head along to that rather than light your own.

"But if you do choose to light your own, remember we need everyone to do their part to help keep our communities safe this Guy Fawkes," says Adrian Nacey.

"You don’t want to be the person responsible for damaging a person, property or the environment by not being careful with fireworks."

A temporary ban on the private use of fireworks is in place in Northland’s Karikari Penisula, Ahipara township and surrounds from 2 November 2022 - 30 April 2023. Private fireworks will not be permitted in these areas for this period.

For more fireworks safety tips, and to check if the conditions are alright to light them, go to https://www.checkitsalright.nz/reduce-your-risk/fireworks. 

Back to news hub