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Protected from fires

Prevent with the right measures and extinguish flames in their infancy

Safety is usually taken very seriously in Germany. But one danger that is often underestimated is fire. Here, a fire breaks out in an apartment or house every two to three minutes. According to the IFS fire cause statistics 2023, the most common cause is electricity, followed by human error. 

Numerous fire hazards also lurk outdoors – from flying sparks at the campfire to defective gas stoves in the motorhome. Quick reaction can then not only prevent property damage but also save lives. To prevent a small ember from becoming a dangerous fire, there are only about 120 seconds in an emergency.

Because toxic smoke gases form after just two to four minutes, from which only escape can save you. With the help of a fire blanket, many dangerous situations can be quickly brought under control.

In addition to a fire blanket, every home as well as camping and the like should have a fire extinguisher ready. Also: smoke detectors save lives because they detect unnoticed fires in time.

To prevent these from occurring in the first place, prevention and careful behavior are important. For example, multiple sockets should not be overloaded and defective electrical appliances replaced. Never take your eyes off burning candles, open flames, and the switched-on stove; dispose of cigarette butts carefully.

Outdoors, grill or campfires should only be lit on a safe surface and carefully extinguished. Because fire protection is also environmental protection, and even a small spark can turn into a big fire. djd

Caption:
Candles are a common cause of fires. Quick intervention is then important. 

Photo: djd/www.ask-the-fox.de