Most fires at home are caused by everyday things. The top fire causes are:

 

Electricity: Defective devices, overloaded power outlets or broken cables are the number one cause of fire.

 

Human misconduct: A forgotten candle, the pot on the hot stove or a carelessly thrown away cigarette.

 

Open fire: Unattended fireplaces, candles or even barbecue lighters that are used too close to the house.

 

Overheating: A covered laptop in bed, a tumble dryer whose lint filter has not been cleaned, or a heater that is too close to furniture.

Yes, smoke detectors are the most important lifesavers in case of fire! At night, the sense of smell also sleeps, which is why most people do not notice a fire in their sleep. A loud alarm wakes you up in time for toxic smoke to spread.

 

Where is it mandatory? In Germany (and thus also in Bavaria) a legal smoke detector obligation applies to all apartments and houses.

 

Where do they have to go?

 

Bedrooms: In every bedroom and children's room.

 

Corridors: In all corridors that serve as escape routes from the sleeping rooms.

 

Recommendation: Additionally in living and hobby rooms.

 

Where do they NOT belong? In kitchens, bathrooms or garages, as water vapor and exhaust gases easily lead to false alarms. For the kitchen there are special stove protection or heat detectors.

A fire extinguisher is not required by law in private households, but is strongly recommended. It allows you to fight an emerging fire quickly and effectively before it can spread.

 

Which extinguisher is the right one? For the household, a 6-liter foam fire extinguisher is best suited. It is effective against the most common types of fire (solids, liquids) and the extinguishing agent damage is significantly less than with a powder extinguisher.

 

Alternative: A fire blanket is a good addition, especially for kitchen fires such as a burning pot (fat fire). Important: Never extinguish burning fat with water - there will be a fat explosion!

When a fire breaks out, every second counts. Keep calm and follow this order:

 

ALARM: Call the fire department immediately on the emergency number 112.

 

Who's calling?

 

Where is it burning? (Estaly address)

 

What's on fire? (Rooms, trash cans, etc.)

 

How many injured are there?

 

Waiting for questions!

 

SAVE: Bring yourself and other people to safety.

 

Help children, the elderly or people in need.

 

Warn other residents of the house (knock, call).

 

If the stairwell is smoky: Stay in your apartment, close the door and make yourself felt at the window for the fire brigade.

 

In case of smoke, always move close to the ground, as the toxic smoke first collects under the ceiling.

 

DELETE: Only make an attempt to delete if it is a small fire and you do not put yourself in danger. Your safety always comes front!

✅ Electricity:

 

No "plug to plug" cascades. Use high-quality power outlets with switch.

 

Dispose of or repair devices with visible cable damage immediately.

 

Always switch off electrical appliances (TV, laptop) completely (not just stand-by).

 

Clean the lint filter of the tumble dryer after each use.

 

✅ Kitchen:

 

Never leave hot oil or grease unattended.

 

Clean the extractor hood and its grease filter regularly.

 

Have a lid ready for the pot to stifle a fat fire.

 

✅ Open Fire & Heat:

 

Never let candles burn unattended and place them on a fireproof base.

 

Maintain sufficient distance between heaters and flammable materials (furniture, curtains).

 

Only dispose of ashes from the chimney in a fireproof metal bucket.

 

✅ Organization:

 

Always keep escape routes (corridors, stairs) free of clutter and obstacles.

 

Discuss an emergency plan and an outdoor meeting place with your family.