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

Pegasus Beach Fire sparks community conversations

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Pegasus Beach Fire sparks community conversations

17 Hōngongoi 2023

On 2 November 2022, a large vegetation fire broke out at Pegasus Beach in Canterbury. It destroyed an estimated 200 hectares of pine forest and recently planted regenerating native flora, and caused the evacuation of 130 people staying at the Woodend Beach Holiday Park. The Holiday Park had a comprehensive evacuation plan in place, and everyone was evacuated successfully. Following the fire investigation into the incident, the cause of the fire was deemed to be fireworks let off from a nearby carpark.

The Pegasus Beach fire is an example of the damage and destruction fireworks can have on a community. Always check the conditions and follow our tips on safely setting off fireworks at checkitsalright.nz.

Watch the videos below to find out more about the Pegasus Beach fire and how the community responded.

Before During After
 
 
 

Thanks to Canterbury’s Community Risk Management team, the Woodend Volunteer Brigade, Horse Trainer John Dunn, the Woodend Beach Holiday Park community and the Te Kōhaka o Tūhaitara Trust for helping us create the videos.

The time to plan, and act, is now. We can help you prepare, just reach out to your local brigade.

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