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

This Daylight Saving weekend get your smoke alarms sorted

This Daylight Saving weekend get your smoke alarms sorted

22 September 2023

This Daylight Saving weekend, Fire and Emergency is reminding everyone to check their smoke alarms are working and in the right place.

Adrian Nacey, Community Education Manager, says now is the time to make sure your household has working smoke alarms in every bedroom, living area and hallway.

"A fire can be fatal within three minutes and when you are sleeping you can’t smell smoke. Working smoke alarms are the most important way to prepare for the possibility of a fire," Adrian Nacey says.

"Checking your smoke alarms is easy and should be done at least once every six months. Just push the button on each of your smoke alarms for five seconds. If you hear the beep, you know they are ready to protect you and your household."

Ensuring your smoke alarms are well maintained is also important. If your smoke alarm is beeping periodically, it typically means you need to change the battery or replace your alarm, says Adrian Nacey.

"It’s also a good idea to clean your smoke alarms with a vacuum cleaner every six months, as dust build up can cause false alarms."

Fire and Emergency recommends having a working smoke alarm in every hallway, living room and bedroom.

"Having working smoke alarms in the right places in your home to alert all members of the household as early as possible, is the critical first step in escaping a house on fire," Adrian Nacey says.

Fire and Emergency is also encouraging everyone to take a few minutes this weekend to make sure they have a three-step escape plan in place.

"Your escape plan should include at least two clear paths out of each area and a safe meeting place away from the house for your household to meet," says Adrian Nacey.

To find out more about choosing, installing, and checking your smoke alarms, visit https://www.escapemyhouse.co.nz/sorted

Make your 3-step escape plan at www.escapemyhouse.co.nz

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