To ensure that the Christmas season is not overshadowed by fires, we have eight simple but helpful tips for you to avoid fires during the Advent season:
- Do not place candles near flammable objects (wrapping paper, curtains) or in a place with strong draughts.
- Candles should always be placed in a stable, non-flammable holder that children cannot reach.
- Never leave candles burning unattended - especially if children are present! Carelessness is the number one cause of fire!
- Extinguish candles on Advent wreaths and flower arrangements in good time before they burn down: Fir greenery dries out over time and becomes a fire hazard.
- With electric fairy lights, make sure that sockets are not overloaded. The electric candles should bear a seal of approval that complies with VDE regulations.
- If you light real candles, have an appropriate extinguishing agent (bucket of water, fire extinguisher) ready.
- If there is a fire: Only try to extinguish the flames if you can do so without endangering yourself. Otherwise, close the door to the fire room if possible, leave the apartment (with everyone present) and call the fire department on 112.
- Smoke alarms in the home greatly reduce the risk of a fire spreading unnoticed by sounding the alarm in good time.