Fire hazard - not too foolish
Soon, the carnival hustle and bustle will begin in Switzerland. Costumes and decorations are often made of highly flammable artificial textiles. This increases the risk of fires. How this can be prevented in order to celebrate a safe carnival is shown in the safety tips from the Fire Prevention Advisory Service.
In the Carnival crowds, fire has an easy game. Costumes and decorations catch fire quickly in large crowds, for example from a cigarette. Therefore, caution is advised when handling smoking materials and open fires. To protect yourself and fellow celebrants, costumes can be impregnated with a commercially available fire retardant for textiles. Such fire protection agents are available in specialized shops and offer good protection.
Signaling escape routes
According to Swiss fire safety regulations, decorations must not increase the danger. They must be installed in such a way that the safety of persons is not endangered. The signalization of escape routes must remain visible at all times. Flammable decorations are prohibited in escape and rescue routes.
Safety tips for carnival goers
- Only use materials that are difficult to burn for your carnival costumes and decorations.
- Refrain from using tulle and nylon fabrics. These fabrics melt at high heat and can cause serious skin injuries.
- Fabrics can be treated with fire retardants to make them safer.
Safety tips for organizers
- Keep escape routes such as stairways, corridors or exits clear.
- Do not use open fire in lanterns and torches as decoration.
- Use decorations that are difficult to burn or treat the decoration material with fire retardant in consultation with the fire protection authority.
- Always have a bucket of water or a fire blanket on hand for emergencies.
Accident/fire despite attentiveness
- If, despite all precautions, an accident occurs, cool burns immediately and for a prolonged period.
- In the event of a fire always applies:
- Alert: Fire department emergency call telephone no. 112, warn persons at risk.
- Rescue: Bringing people and animals out of the danger zone
- Extinguish: Fight fire with appropriate means, instruct arriving fire department.
Info: Fire Prevention Advisory Board (BfB)