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

Protecting your school and assets

Information about keeping school property safe from arson, and how to help children displaying risky fire behaviour. Arson can have a significant impact on a school and its community. Fortunately, there are some simple steps all schools can take to improve fire safety and reduce the likelihood of arson on their grounds.

On this page

  • Keep bins and skips away from outside walls
  • Remove materials that can be used to set fires
  • Install or increase security lights
  • Confront all fire-setting behaviour
  • Keeping schools safe from arson flyer
  • Ahikura Whānau Centred Fire Education

Keep bins and skips away from outside walls

  • We recommend you keep all fixed bins and wheelie bins at least 2 metres away from all buildings. 
  • Lock and secure bins so they can't be moved up against buildings. 
  • Empty bins every night and weekend if school grounds are being used, e.g. sports, fairs. 
  • Lock recycle bins after hours.

Remove materials that can be used to set fires

  • Remove loose combustible items from under buildings, e.g. timber, desks 
  • Monitor school boundaries. Keep an eye out for nearby rubbish that could be easily carried to school grounds. 

Install or increase security lights

  • Leave external lights on at night, or increase timer periods for sensor lights. 
  • Cut back vegetation to make school buildings more visible and minimise places for arsonists to hide. 
  • Leave external CCTV on at night.

Confront all fire-setting behaviour

  • Report any minor fire lighting to Police. Lighting fires is not normal or acceptable behaviour, and is likely to continue if left unaddressed.
  • Increase night security patrols during November and holiday periods.
  • Record all information about fire-setting incidents for possible use by Fire and Emergency New Zealand.
  • Contact your local Risk Reduction Advisor though your nearest fire station. They may be able to visit the school and provide additional advice if required.
  • Ask neighbours and parents to keep an eye on the school and report any fires and serious vandalism to Police immediately.  

Keeping schools safe from arson flyer

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Ahikura Whānau Centred Fire Education

Ahikura Whānau-Centred Fire Education is here to help taiohi young people who show a fascination with fire. The programme has a 90% success rate in ending fire-setting behaviour. It can be directed to known fire-setters or to school groups if you don't know who is lighting the fires.  

For further advice see our guide to what to do if your child is lighting fires.

Referring a young person to Ahikura

Parents, caregivers, schools, Youth Aid, or anyone who has legal care of someone aged under 17, can refer a child. 

You can contact Ahikura by calling 0800 REG COMP (0800 734 2667) or by filling out the referral form below. 

Once you've made a referral, you can expect a call from an Ahikura practitioner within three days. The Ahikura session usually takes place within 10 days of referral.