Candles, chargers and the cooker are all potential sources of danger that can cause a fire if you don't watch out. Try these ways to cut the risk and know exactly what to do if you spot flames nonetheless. Berlin (dpa) – You may be lighting candles to brighten up shorter days in your part of the world – and they sure make for a cosy atmosphere. But a moment of distraction and they can easily become a fire hazard – say if your blind or curtains suddenly go up in flames. "As a general rule, never leave open flames unattended in your home," says Hermann Dinkler, fire safety expert at the TÜV association in Berlin. Many of us know this, yet fires caused by open flames keep occurring when someone briefly leaves the room. Consider these tips on what to look out for to prevent fire hazards – and be sure you know what to do in the event of an emergency. The classics – candles, cigarettes and the stove A forgotten candle is just one example but many such risks lurk in your flat or house that can cause a fire. Human error and carelessness are often the cause from a burning cigarette in bed or an unattended pot on the stove. You might just glance at your mobile phone or open the front door, and suddenly the pot or pan with hot fat on the stove has caught fire. "Don't pour water on it," Dinkler says. "The fat will explode, splattering all over the kitchen and setting the surrounding area on fire. There is also a risk of serious skin injuries." It is safer to smother the fire by placing a lid on the pan. Then turn off the hob and remove the pot from the heat. But be careful: if the risk seems too great, it is better to close the kitchen door, leave the flat and call the fire brigade. Overheating, overload and brittle cables Around a third of house fires are caused by electricity, according to damage statistics from Germany's Institute for Damage Prevention and Damage Research (IFS). "It's not just toasters, hairdryers or kitchen stoves that generate heat that can cause fires," says Carsten-Michael Pix from the German Fire Service Association. All household appliances such as refrigerators, televisions, washing machines or dryers are potential sources of danger – especially if your appliances are no longer in good condition. Damage to electrical appliances usually occurs gradually. Daily use causes cables to wear out over time. Plugs, plastic housings or cable sheathing become brittle, making the appliances particularly susceptible to short circuits and overheating. Your washing machine may have been working well for years in a damp bathroom environment but it can rust unnoticed. "If water then penetrates the housing and ultimately the electrical wiring through leaks, a fire can occur," says Pix. Tumble dryers are also susceptible to defects due to moisture. Check your household appliances and their electrical cables and connections regularly, Pix says. "Pay particular attention to the connection points where the cables are fed into the appliance. These are often exposed in older appliances." If you notice a defect in an appliance or cable, you should have it repaired or replace the equipment. Underestimated danger: batteries and multiple sockets Other sources of danger in the home are multiple sockets, charging cables and batteries, according to Pix. Multiple sockets are often used when there are not enough permanently installed sockets in the home. "However, if too many powerful power consumers are connected to the multiple sockets, they quickly become overloaded," Dinkler says. This can cause them to overheat and start fires. Connecting several multiple sockets together is particularly risky. The load and thus the fire hazard is particularly high in older houses, where old electrical cables are still in use. Chargers and batteries for electric bicycles or e-scooters can also be problematic. "There have been house fires with extensive damage because lithium-ion batteries caught fire while charging overnight," says Pix. There is a similar risk when charging mobile phones or tablets. The tricky thing about fires caused by electricity is that they can occur at any time, during the day, at night or while on holiday. So how can they be prevented? "Anything that is not in use should be disconnected from the power supply if possible," says Pix. If possible, only switch on electrical appliances when someone is at home. And only charge batteries when someone is awake so you can react in an emergency. If the fire originates from an electrical appliance, unplug it if possible or trip the residual current device. How else can I prevent fires? Smoke detectors, which are mandatory in private homes in many places, can save lives. They are particularly useful at night when people are less likely to smell fire while they are sleeping. "Precisely because many sources of fire lie hidden, it is important that someone is on the lookout and warns of danger," says Pix. In an emergency, the devices emit a loud sound. Residents should ensure that their smoke detectors are operational at all times. The same applies to fire extinguishers. It is good to have one in the house. "But you also have to be able to use it," says Dinkler. Also be sure your fire extinguisher is in good working order – which is not always the case if it has been hanging on the wall or standing in the corner unused for years. Consider a few things in advance too as a fire always takes people by surprise, causing stress and excitement, says Pix. "You can be prepared though." Take a quiet moment to consider: What do I actually do if there is a fire?What equipment do I have?Do I need a fire extinguisher?Where are the escape routes?Where can I find help? "This way, in an emergency, which hopefully will never occur, you can act calmly and appropriately," says Pix. If in doubt, call the fire brigade – and do not put yourself in danger. The following information is not intended for publication dpa/tmn kaf mod sw xxde arw
(The article has been published through a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has been published verbatim. Liability lies with original publisher.)
