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

Charleston gets home fire safety advice

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Charleston gets home fire safety advice

4 Huitanguru 2021

Charleston residents have been learning about the fire risks they face at home, and how to prepare for them.

Principal Rural Fire Officer Atila de Oliveira says Fire and Emergency, St John and West Coast Emergency Management visited around 80 homes in Charleston together to help residents prepare for emergencies.

"Being prepared for an emergency and managing fire risks is especially important in areas like Charleston where it is relatively isolated," he says.

"It was great to work with our partner agencies to help the Charleston community better prepare for an emergency and understand the risks in and around their homes."

"The scrub and manuka around Charleston is highly flammable. In the right conditions, a scrub fire could start quite easily and spread quickly, potentially putting people and houses in danger."

"Fire and Emergency gave free home fire safety assessments, including installing smoke alarms if needed, and talked to the residents about what they can do to protect their properties."

"Residents were also reminded that RAPID numbers need to be displayed clearly so all emergency services can get to your property quickly when help is needed."

"While the West Coast is known for its rain, the risk of fire shouldn’t be forgotten," says Mr de Oliveira.

"Once people are more aware of the risks we can help them to keep themselves and their household safe."

If anyone would like to arrange a free home fire safety visit call Fire and Emergency on 03 738 0898.

To find out more about our fire safety advice, go to www. fireandemergency.nz/at-home. To make your household escape plan go to www.escapemyhouse.co.nz.

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