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.

Fire & Emergency New Zealand

Nelson fire highlights importance of working smoke alarms

Nelson fire highlights importance of working smoke alarms

Without their neighbours calling 111, three Nelson residents may not have been alerted to a fire until it was too late as the house did not have working smoke alarms.

Area Commander Grant Haywood says when firefighters arrived they had to wake the occupants and get them out.

"Another minute or so and it could have been a very different outcome as the fire was spreading through the house very quickly.

"Fire is deadly fast and can kill within three minutes. That's why it is so important to have working smoke alarms to give you an early warning of fire.

"Check your alarms are working once a month by pushing the button.

"When you hear the beeping noise, you know you and your family will be alerted if there is a fire and given time to get out to safety.

"But a fire can be disorienting so it’s also important to have an escape plan so you and your whānau can get out quickly and safely.

"If you haven’t made a plan yet, go to www.escapemyhouse.co.nz and make sure you are prepared.

"It could save your life."

For more fire safety tips go to https://fireandemergency.nz/at-home/

ENDS

 

For more information, please contact the Fire and Emergency New Zealand media team.

media@fireandemergency.nz

027 591 8837

Spokespeople also available in te reo.