Fire hazard during the Advent season: don't let anything burn!
9.12.2016
Translation: machine translated
Christmas is the season of lights: the risk of fire is particularly high at this time of year. Real fir trees and candles are an obvious source of danger. These are among the most frequent arsonists in Swiss households - a small spark can quickly start a major fire.
Safety tips for the Christmas season
Advent wreath
- The candles on an Advent wreath must be replaced before they have burnt down to the branches .- Use non-combustible bases for Advent wreaths and arrangements .- Do not place wreaths or arrangements near sources of heat.
- Keep a safe distance from other flammable objects, such as curtains.
- The candles should be attached to sturdy holders that prevent the wax from dripping directly onto the wreath.
- Candles that consist almost entirely of stubs should be replaced - as should dried-out branches.
Christmas tree
- It's best to buy the Christmas tree just before the festive season so that it smells nice and doesn't lose needles so quickly .- You must secure the tree against tipping over: The tree is safest when it is secured in a Christmas tree stand filled with water. Don't forget to water it regularly!
- Leave enough space between the light source and tree decorations when decorating (a Christmas tree with straw stars acts as a kind of fire accelerant)
- Place the candles in such a way that the branches cannot catch fire .- Place the candles vertically so that they are at least 30 centimetres away from flammable materials such as curtains or wallpaper.
- Do not use flammable candle holders.
- Light the candles from top to bottom.
- Extinguish the candles in reverse order from bottom to top.
- Never burn candles completely and never leave them unattended.
- Miracle candles should not be hung on the Christmas tree or near flammable objects.
- Only dispose of glowing sparklers on a non-flammable surface or in a closed metal bin.
- Dispose of the Christmas tree early (do not light candles on a dry Christmas tree) .
As a general rule, children and pets must be kept away from burning candles and must be supervised. In the event that something does happen, a fire extinguisher or bucket of water should also be available near the Christmas tree.
To all fire blankets //
All fire extinguishers // All buckets
We only notice the smell of fire very late in our sleep, and this can quickly prove fatal. A smoke alarm also wakes you from a deep sleep with its very loud beep if a smouldering Christmas candle or fairy lights ignite a fire.
In the video you can see how quickly a fire can start. It's good to have a fire extinguisher to hand.
Madeleine Bello
Senior Brand Communications Manager
Madeleine.Bello@digitecgalaxus.chI draw inspiration and energy from nature – whether I'm hiking, skiing in the mountains or travelling to new places. I also have a passion for photography, music, TV series and good food.