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

Boat safety

This page is available in English
View in English

Boats are a big part of the traditional Kiwi summer. Make sure you read up on using your boat safely, so that you can have fun without increasing your risk of fire. 

Boat safety

  • Make sure there are clear routes leading to and from accommodation spaces. This means people should be able to get in and out of confined spaces easily.
  • Check that any fire fighting equipment is appropriate to the risks, maintained in good order and available for use.
  • There should be enough life jackets for everyone on the boat. Make sure they are in good condition, easy to access and readily available for use in an emergency.
  • Have an emergency plan that considers what you would do if a fire occurred anywhere on-board the boat. Practice that plan regularly.
  • Secure batteries in a place that does not allow flammable gas to accumulate.
  • Make sure all gas or liquid-fuelled heating, refrigerating or cooking appliances are properly secured to prevent them from overturning if there is a collision or the boat tips.
  • Fit a working smoke alarm in the accommodation area/cabin, unless this space is also the cooking area.
  • Always, always wear a lifejacket.

Gas cylinders on boats 

When storing gas cylinders on boats, ensure they're either secured on deck away from hatches, or are placed in a properly designed and ventilated container above the water line.

Check out our guide to using BBQs and Gas Cylinders for more information. 

Fuelling your boat 

Always refuel your boat ashore, never aboard. 

The only exception is if you are using a dedicated fuel bowser at the wharf or jetty, which is designed to fill directly into dedicated fixed-position or inbuilt tanks. 

While refuelling, follow these steps to reduce the risk of fire: 

  1. Stop the engine.
  2. Turn off all cooking, heating and lighting appliances.
  3. Extinguish all cigarettes, pipes and naked flames.
  4. Close all hatches, doors, etc.
  5. Monitor fuel levels to avoid overfilling.
  6. Make sure no fuel is building up unseen within the boat and mop up any spillage.
  7. Air out the boat before starting up the engine or using naked flames.

Do not carry spare petrol unless essential. If required, store a limited supply of spare fuel in approved containers and keep them securely on the upper deck.

Related content