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

Severe wind warnings for Canterbury - so don’t light fires

Severe wind warnings for Canterbury - so don’t light fires

25 September 2020

With severe winds forecast for Canterbury over Sunday and Monday, Fire and Emergency is urging people to take every precaution to stop fires starting or spreading.

"Hold off lighting fires until the severe winds have passed through," says Don Geddes, Mid-South Canterbury Deputy Principal Rural Fire Officer.

"It’s more likely that in these winds, a fire can spread and get out of control. In strong winds aircraft can’t fly which means we can’t use them to put out fires if needed - as happened at fires in the region last week."

"The strong winds forecast for the weekend can cause fires that appeared extinguished to rekindle and flare up again," Don Geddes says.

"If you’ve lit a fire recently, check and make sure that it is completely out. Dig down into the fire sites, rake them out and pour water on them."

"Leave the high-risk activities that could cause sparks until the winds have settled - it’s not worth the risk."

Go to www.checkitsalright.nz to check the fire weather and find out more information about how you can reduce the risk of fire.

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