Fire hazard during Advent: avoid candle fires
In December, there are more fires in Switzerland than in the other months. During this Christmas period, candles are often the cause of house and apartment fires. This is all the more regrettable because candle fires can be easily avoided.
At home, candles create a cozy atmosphere. However, they are also associated with an increased risk of fire. A candle that has just been flickering gently can soon reduce a living room to rubble. Most fires caused by candles occur due to carelessness. Anyone who leaves a room with candles burning always risks a house or apartment fire. Unattended candles can be knocked over by playing children or pets and ignite easily combustible objects. In addition, the scrawny brushwood of the Advent wreath and Christmas tree quickly catches fire.
For a fire-free Advent and Christmas season, the BfB - Beratungsstelle für Brandverhütung and the bfu - Beratungsstelle für Unfallverhütung provide the following safety tips:
- Extinguish candles when they can not be supervised
- Do not leave children and pets alone in a room with flammable candles
- Place candles with sufficient distance from textiles and decorations
- For a firm, upright hold of the candles on the Advent wreath and Christmas tree provide
- Replace candles before they burn down
- No more lighting candles on a scrawny Advent wreath or Christmas tree
- Dispose of the Christmas tree early
- Have a bucket of water or a fire blanket ready for emergencies
Source: bfu/BfB
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