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

Open fires banned in much of Southland as fire danger rises

Open fires banned in much of Southland as fire danger rises

25 January 2023

Coastal Southland and all of the Department of Conservation estate, including Stewart Island, have moved into a Prohibited Fire Season today.

Fire and Emergency District Manager Julian Tohiariki said that the indicators used for assessing fire danger had reached the threshold where a total ban on outdoor fires was required in these areas. The decision was made in consultation with DOC.

The rest of Southland remains in a Restricted Fire Season, where a permit is required for most outdoor fires.

“These restrictions reflect the extended dry weather and hot temperatures that we have been experiencing,” Julian Tohiariki said. “There is no significant rain forecast and the long-term outlook is for more of the same.”

Part of the Southland District is already experiencing water shortages, which would make firefighting more challenging if a vegetation fire broke out.

Anyone considering lighting any kind of outdoor fire should first look at the www.checkitsalright.nz website to see the local fire danger level and whether there are any restrictions in place before reaching for the matches.

In circumstances where fires are permitted, it’s best to wait for more favourable conditions if the fire danger is high, very high or extreme. It’s also important to have basic firefighting equipment like a hose ready and be prepared to keep a close watch on the fire.

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