“This lack of knowledge could have serious consequences during an emergency and reveals significant gaps in the preparation of families in the face of domestic risk situations”she says. “Nearly 20% of respondents say they do not have an evacuation plan in the event of a disaster, a statistic that could prove critical. This situation is particularly worrying among 35-54 year olds, who are less informed about the essential reflexes when faced with an emergency situation.”
Three cars were set on fire and a house was slightly damaged following the incident near the Bernalmont golf course in Liège
12% of homes do not have a smoke detector
Despite the obligation to have a smoke detector, 12% of Belgians reveal that they do not have one. This percentage rises to 22 among Brussels residents, particularly among young people.
“A smoke detector is of no use if it is not connected to an alarm center!”, says Romy Lemmens, spokesperson for Verisure Belgium. “Although 90% of Belgians say they are confident about the risks of fire, this assurance could be fragile if it is not based on concrete knowledge. Verisure calls for proactive action to turn this sense of security into real preparedness, especially for young people and urban households.”
10,000 fires in buildings each year
Every year in Belgium, some 10,000 fires in buildings cause numerous deaths, serious burns and significant material damage. Fires in homes are the cause of around 80% of deaths following burns, according to the FPS Interior.
60 people evacuated after a fire near the Grand-Place in Brussels
Among the tips to follow at the end of the year, do not use candles or other decorations with visible flames near flammable materials, ventilate spaces containing gas-powered appliances well and have the chimney swept at least once a year. . Furthermore, it is essential to keep lighters, matches and pyrotechnic devices out of the reach of children.
Finally, if you are unable to control the fire that breaks out or if the fire has already grown too big, you must leave the home as quickly as possible. “Try to warn all co-occupants, don’t run, bend down and crawl as close to the ground as possible: you will see more clearly and will have more oxygen there, as the hot smoke tends to rise,” adds the Interior SPF. “Breathe through a damp cloth or cloth: smoke and combustion gases can suffocate you. Always keep the same hand in contact with the wall to avoid becoming disoriented. Close all doors and windows during the journey, cool air fanning the fire. Never use the elevator or open a door seems hot; this means the fire is on the other side.”
