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.

Southland moves back to a restricted fire season

Southland will move back into a restricted fire season as of 8am this morning (8 February).

The private use of charcoal barbecues, charcoal grills, wood-fired pizza ovens and chiminea are still banned for Southland’s Sandy Point until further notice. However, the same ban that has been in place for Edendale will be revoked at 8am today.

A restricted season means anyone wanting to light an open-air fire in Southland will need a permit.

"To apply for a permit, go to www.checkitsalright.nz and follow the simple steps," says District Manager, Julian Tohiariki.

"If you have a permit, you will also need to follow the conditions listed on it."

Julian Tohiariki says recent rain has eased the conditions, but the risk of wildfire is still present.

"Summer is not over yet, there is no guarantee the dry conditions that require a prohibited fire season won’t return.

"If it’s too hot and windy - don’t light, even with a permit. It only takes one small spark to start a devasting wildfire," he says.

To check the conditions and find valuable fire safety tips head to www.checkitsalright.nz.

"Take care this summer and do your part to keep Southland safe."