An overloaded multiple socket, a forgotten candle or a pot holder that is placed on the hot stove - ignorance or carelessness can quickly have serious consequences.
More Attention for more safety
Many potential sources of fire can be eliminated before they become dangerous. Observe your surroundings carefully and act in good time:
Never leave naked flames, such as candles or fire, unattended.
Remove highly flammable materials in the cellar.
Regularly clear out the attic and remove particularly flammable materials from the corners and pitches of the roof.
Ensure that the electrical appliances and installations in the house are in order. Replace defective appliances and old extension leads.
Fire hazard multiple socket
Multiple sockets are a popular means of supplying electricity to the large number of electronic devices in a household.
But be careful: Overloading can have serious consequences. Power strips are designed for a maximum output, usually around 3,000 to 3,500 watts.
If this power is exceeded by the connected devices, the multiple socket outlet can overheat and the resulting heat can cause a fire. Outdated power strips or poor quality products also pose a fire risk. When using multiple sockets, keep these points in mind to reduce the risk of fire:
Never connect several bars in a row.
Do not exceed the maximum power of the multiple socket.
Do not cover or "hide" the power strip, for example behind furniture - this is where heat can accumulate more easily.
Do not use power strips in damp rooms or outdoors unless they are explicitly approved for this.
Smoke alarms save lives
Despite all precautions, it can still happen that a fire breaks out. Most fire victims are caught sleeping - and most fire deaths are from smoke inhalation, not burn injuries. Even two to three deep breaths of smoke can be deadly. Properly installed smoke detectors can save lives by giving residents timely warning and allowing them to get to safety
Smoke alarms belong here:
Always fit the smoke alarm horizontally on the ceiling, as smoke rises. When fitting the smoke alarm, observe the manufacturer’s instructions. A number of devices have a test button for checking the alarm. They indicate when the battery has to be replaced.
No smoke alarms in the bathroom and the kitchen! Steam triggers a false alarm.
Otherwise smoke detectors belong in all rooms:
Bedrooms
Children’s rooms
Living and dining rooms
Halls and staircases
Cellars and attics
For deaf people, there are devices with a flashing light or a vibration alarm. During installation, attention must be paid to the VDS and DIN EN 14604 certification, as well as to the Q-label (higher quality).
You can obtain further information from the fire brigade and fire insurance institutions.
The right eraser
Good preparation also includes having suitable extinguishing devices for different fire classes at hand in an emergency:
Observe legal requirements. Every company, and ideally every private household, should have fire-fighting equipment such as fire extinguishers and fire extinguishing spray. The size can vary depending on the legal requirements and the potential risk of fire. Ask your local fire brigade about this.
Regular maintenance is important. To ensure that your extinguishing device is reliably ready for use in the event of a fire, observe the manufacturer's information on durability and have the fire extinguisher serviced regularly. Familiarize yourself with the device. Read the manufacturer information carefully. What should be considered when using the device? For which fire classes is it suitable?
Practice creates masters. Let us show you how to use extinguishers correctly and try them out. This reduces inhibitions and facilitates rapid deployment in the event of a fire. Find out more about testing options from your fire brigade or specialist retailer.
Choose the right extinguishing agent. Depending on the class of fire, different extinguishing agents are required. Be careful, the wrong choice can have serious consequences! For example, never extinguish a grease fire with water. This can result in life-threatening fat explosions. For example, if fat catches fire in a pot or pan, try to smother the flames with a pot or pan lid.
Safety first. All extinguishers only help in the initial phase of a fire. After all, the erasure time is limited. Therefore, do not put yourself in danger when attempting to delete it. The specialist trade can provide information about operation and extinguishing capacity.
