Reduce the risk of fire this Christmas

Turn off the candles

Always do a final check before leaving your home to make sure all candles are extinguished and the stove is turned off (it can be hard to tell if candles are still burning in daylight, so feel them with your hand if you’re unsure).

Secure your candle holders

Use candle holders and decorations that are fireproof. If you forget to put out a candle, the risk of a fire is much higher.

Smoke detectors

Make sure you have smoke detectors in your home – preferably several – and check that they are working. What better time to do this than on December 1st when you already have a ladder out to hang your Christmas curtains and decorations? The smoke detector should be placed on the ceiling.

No trash in the stairwell

Do not leave old gift wrap or trash in the stairwell. It’s your escape route in case of a fire!

Fire safety equipment

Every home should have a fire blanket and a 6 kg powder fire extinguisher. It is almost always someone other than the fire department who will put out a fire.

Alert the authorities

Always call 112 if you discover a fire or if someone is in danger.