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

Stay safe with lithium ion batteries

Stay safe with lithium ion batteries

20 December 2019

This Christmas many people will receive gifts which contain lithium ion rechargeable batteries.

These batteries supply power to many kinds of devices including smart phones, laptops, scooters, e-cigarettes, toys, power tools and even cars.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand’s national fire risk advisor Pete Gallagher says lithium ion batteries provide a large amount of power in a very small package.

"But they do come with some risks so it’s important to take care when using them," he says.

"In rare cases, they can cause a fire or explosion".

"Sometimes batteries are not used the right way and this can increase the risk of a fire. Batteries not designed for a specific use can be dangerous. Like any product, these batteries can fail. They can overheat, catch fire, or explode."

Pete Gallagher advises people to stop using the battery if they notice either a strange smell or a change in colour, too much heat, a change in shape, swelling, leaking, or odd noises.

"Always make sure you have working smoke alarms to give you the earliest possible warning that something has gone wrong," he says.

"If it is safe to do so, move the device away from anything that can catch fire. Call 1-1-1."

 

Staying safe with lithium ion batteries:

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Only use the battery that is designed for the device.

Put batteries in the device the right way.

Only use the charger that came with the device.

Keep the battery contacts away from metal objects that could cause a short circuit

Don’t charge a device under your pillow, on your bed or on a couch.

Keep batteries at room temperature.

Don’t place batteries in direct sunlight or keep them in hot vehicles.

Store and charge batteries away from anything that can catch fire.

 

 

Disposing of lithium ion batteries:

Don’t put lithium ion batteries in the rubbish.

Recycling is always the best option - AT a battery recycling location or contact your local council for disposal options.

Don’t store large piles of discarded batteries.

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