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

Fire season changes for Lakes Zone and Central Zone (Otago)

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Fire season changes for Lakes Zone and Central Zone (Otago)

14 Kohitātea 2022

The Lakes Zone and Central Zone of the Otago Fire District will move to a prohibited fire season.

The change will come into effect at 8am Saturday 15 January 2022.

The Lakes Zone includes the land surrounding Lake Wakatipu, the Nevis Valley, and the land west and north of Lakes Wānaka and Hawea.

The Central Zone includes the Upper Waitaki, Lower Mackenzie Basin, Upper Clutha, Manuherekia, Maniototo and part of the Strath Taieri.

Otago District Manager, Phil Marsh says the prohibited fire season means lighting a fire in open air is prohibited as there is a high fire risk. No permits will be issued and those previously issued will no longer be valid.

"A damper start to the summer has seen significant vegetation growth which is now rapidly drying out. Lakes and Central are forecast to reach extreme fire danger over the coming weekend. If you see smoke please call 111," he says.

Holiday makers may be less aware of the serious fire danger in Central Otago and Lakes Zone. Phil Marsh encourages them to use the ‘can I light a fire?’ tool on www.checkitsalright.nz.

"Locals will also need to consider the risks and current conditions before undertaking spark or heat-generating activities like mowing - please use the ‘reduce your risk’ tools at www.checkitsalright.nz," Phil Marsh says.

If you need more information on what fire lighting activities you can undertake head to www.checkitsalright.nz.

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