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

Prepare now for severe winds in Canterbury

Prepare now for severe winds in Canterbury

12 September 2021

Fire and Emergency NZ is warning people to prepare now for severe gales forecast to hit most of Canterbury this afternoon and overnight.

Mike Johns, the Assistant Area Manager for Canterbury, said the red warning that MetService has issued makes it clear that the storm will be stronger than the gales that caused fires and damage overnight on Thursday and Friday.

"We ask people to check their property now before the wind picks up. We are also contacting our brigade chiefs this morning to give them a heads up and emphasising that safety is the first priority if they are called out during these gales."

Fire and Emergency has issued advice for people in all areas covered by the MetService warnings.

· Do not light any outdoor fires – even if it is calm right now, severe gales are coming

· If you have lit an outdoor fire in the last week, check it is completely out. Many of last Friday’s fires reignited from old fire sites

· Soak discarded ashes from your home fires to make sure they are completely cold

· Farmers with irrigators and pivots should charge them and align them for a north west gale

· Bring in all loose furniture around your property

· Tie down trampolines

· Fallen trees and branches may cut power. Treat all fallen lines as live

· Avoid non-essential travel and watch for fallen debris.

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