Fireproof your home

2. CHIMNEY SWEEPING AND FIRE SAFETY INSPECTION

About one third of fires in single-family houses are related to fireplaces. Chimney sweeping and fire safety inspections of installations are essential to avoid chimney fires.

• Chimney sweeping is carried out regularly to remove flammable deposits.
• Fire safety inspections are performed to detect faults and deficiencies in the installation.
• You can apply to sweep the chimney yourself, but the work must be carried out safely and documented.

3. FIRE SAFETY FOR THE ELDERLY

The risk of fire increases with age, especially when smoking or if mobility is reduced.

• Do not smoke in bed or near flammable furniture.
• Use a fire apron when cooking.
• Consider a stove guard or a timer for the stove.
• Ensure that adapted smoke alarms are available for people with impaired hearing or vision.
• For people with special needs, mobile sprinklers and fire-resistant covers can provide extra protection.

4. FIRE RISK IN NATURE

In dry weather, the risk of grass and forest fires increases.

• Always check the current fire risk through SMHI or the Brandrisk ute (fire risk outdoors) app.
• Fires should only be lit in designated barbecue areas and must always be supervised.
• Always keep water or other extinguishing equipment nearby.
• Never throw cigarette butts in nature – even a small ember can cause a fire.

5. CHECKLIST FOR A FIRE-SAFE HOME

• Have at least one smoke alarm per floor, preferably near bedrooms and the kitchen. Test it every month.
• Equip your home with a powder fire extinguisher of at least 6 kg.
• Place a fire blanket (at least 180×120 cm) in an easily accessible spot, ideally in the kitchen.
• Always stay present when cooking and keep the stove and fan clean.
• Extinguish grease fires with a lid or fire blanket – never use water.
• Follow chimney sweeping intervals and fire safety inspections for stoves and chimneys.
• Handle ash safely, let it cool in a metal container.
• Never leave candles unattended. Use sturdy, non-combustible candle holders.
• Charge electronics on hard, heat-resistant surfaces and avoid charging on textiles.
• Unplug cords during thunderstorms or when away for longer periods.
• Install a stove guard or timer to avoid forgotten burners.
• Have an evacuation plan and decide on a meeting point outdoors.
• Do not smoke in bed and dampen cigarette butts before disposing of them.