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

Pigeon Valley Fire update 66 - 07:50 hours 21/02/2019

Pigeon Valley Fire update 66 - 07:50 hours 21/02/2019

21 February 2019

Controlled access for Teapot, Eves and Redwood Valley residents

The last group of evacuated residents will be granted controlled access to their properties from today, Civil Defence Controller Alec Louverdis has confirmed.

“On a daily basis since the fire began we’ve been doing assessments of the various risks with a view to letting people go home, if it was safe to do so. I’m happy to advise that, after discussions this morning between Fire and Emergency, Police and Civil Defence, we are able to allow controlled access for residents in the 83 remaining evacuated properties in Teapot, Eves and Redwood valleys (to return home)” says Mr Louverdis.  

Previously, residents were allowed to visit their properties for a limited period each day, if conditions allowed.

Today’s decision applies only to residents of the valleys, and anyone returning home must remain ready to evacuate at short notice, says Mr Louverdis.

“Controlled residential access means that people are able to go home without a time limit - they can come and go as they like, and stay overnight if they wish. However, we remind them that the fire is not out and they must be ready to leave again at short notice if required.

“Some people may choose not to go home yet and that is okay too; we will continue to provide them with support while they remain out of their homes.”

The decision affects about 230 people.

Ends.

Media Contact: 027 703 0409
Nelson Tasman Civil Defence and Emergency Management 

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