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

Different fire seasons in Mid-South Canterbury

Different fire seasons in Mid-South Canterbury

27 January 2023

Farmers and others in Mid South Canterbury wanting to light fires in the open should check the fire season status first, as the situation varies depending on where they are.

This is easily done online at www.checkitsalright.nz

The Ashburton High Country, Mackenzie Basin High Country and the Hakataramea Valley are all in a Restricted Fire Season, where permits are required for open fires.

The Upper Waitaki is in a Prohibited Fire Season, meaning that no outdoor fires are allowed. While part of this area is in Fire and Emergency’s Otago District, many people associate it with South Canterbury.

There is also a temporary fireworks ban in the Mackenzie Basin.

Fire and Emergency’s Mid South Canterbury District Manager, Rob Hands, says that the rest of the district remains in an Open Fire Season. This stretches from the south bank of the Rakaia River to the north bank of the Waitaki River.

“It’s really important for people to use the Checkitsalright website before they light up because conditions change very quickly at this time of year.”

In an open season, outdoor fires are allowed as long as people take sensible precautions, including avoiding lighting fires when strong winds are forecast, watching the fire at all times, and making sure it is completely out before leaving. There is fire safety advice for all kinds of fires, including bonfires, land management fires and hangi / umu at www.checkitsalright.nz

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