Being prepared in the case of a emergency
If you own or manage a business or building in Auckland, you have a legal responsibility to ensure the safety of the people inside it. That means having an up-to-date fire emergency plan and clearly visible fire safety signage throughout your premises.
Fire safety isn’t just about ticking boxes. In a real emergency, signs save lives, and a well-thought-out emergency plan reduces risk, protects your property, and ensures everyone knows exactly what to do.
Your Fire Safety Emergency Plan: Why It Matters
While fires are thankfully rare, they can happen – especially in high-risk settings like commercial kitchens or workshops. That’s why every building or workplace in Auckland needs a tailored fire safety emergency plan.
Your fire safety plan should:
- Identify specific fire risks based on your business type and building layout
- Include a procedure for alerting occupants and evacuating safely
- Designate and signpost safe assembly points
- Ensure you have the correct firefighting equipment for the risks on-site
- Include training so staff know what to do in an emergency
A good plan isn’t one-size-fits-all. It should be built around the specific layout, risks, and occupants of your building.
Remember, Not All Fires Are the Same
If you’re a landlord or business owner, it’s important to understand that different fire types require different extinguishers. For instance, a clothing store won’t likely need equipment for chemical fires, whereas a café would need multiple types of extinguishers for cooking oils, electrical equipment, and combustible materials
Using the wrong extinguisher on a fire can make things worse, which is why it’s crucial to install the correct extinguisher type for each risk area, and ensure each extinguisher has clear signage showing what it’s for and how to use it
Need help figuring out what you need? Fireco’s Fire Extinguisher Guide can help you match the right equipment to your site.
Fire Safety & Emergency Signage
Under New Zealand fire safety regulations, every business and commercial building must have appropriate fire safety warning signs placed throughout. These signs must be clearly visible, located in the right places, and compliant with NZS 4503:2005 and evacuation regulations.
Here are the three most critical emergency signs:
- Exit Signs
You might think everyone knows where the exits are, but during a fire visibility is often reduced by smoke and panic can set in. Illuminated exit signage helps guide people out quickly and safely. - Fire Extinguisher Signs
Simply having extinguishers isn’t enough, and every extinguisher should have a corresponding sign above it clearly indicating what type of fire it can be used on, how to operate it, and that it must be kept clear and maintained – this last point is especially important in busy workplaces or public areas. - Assembly Point Signs
Your emergency plan should designate a safe assembly point, away from danger and clear of access ways for emergency vehicles. Signage makes sure everyone knows where to go after evacuation.
Fireco – Keeping Auckland Businesses Safe
At Fireco, we stock a full range of compliant fire safety signage and hand-operated firefighting equipment, including extinguishers.
Our expert team can help you identify which extinguishers you need, along with the appropriate signage, and help you position them correctly throughout your building.
Need equipment, advice, or a quote? Contact Fireco today – we’re here to help keep your people, property, and business safe.
