the essential
One in three French people is the victim of a fire one day. After a worrying series law in Tarn-et-Garonne, we take stock of the risky behaviors to be banned.
Septfonds, Bruniquel, Bressols, Montauban and finally, Montaigu-de-Quercy. From December 28 to January 4, five large fires ravaged homes in the department. Although the human toll could have been heavier, only an octogenarian from Bressoles who lived in a house of wood and straw had to be hospitalized for burns. So whose fault is it? To this implacable law of series? According to our information, all these losses are of accidental origin. Gas, electrical problems or poorly controlled chimney fires appear in the dock. According to the national federation of firefighters, one in three French people is the victim of a fire one day. We take a non-exhaustive tour of the common sense reflexes to adopt.
The smoke detector. Mandatory since 2015, it is the most reliable equipment in terms of alert. “As soon as the battery is discharged, it rings and many people have the bad habit of removing it without replacing it,” notes Grégory Baeza, from the company BSI 82 based in Meauzac, who found the solution: lithium batteries with a lifespan of 10 years. This expert, who is primarily aimed at professionals, is knowledgeable about fire extinguishers, optional for individuals. However, installing one in wooden frame houses, garages where flammable products such as certain paints are stored and near electrical panels is “not superfluous”. “This can avoid big events,” he emphasizes.
Have installations and equipment checked. “In 80% of cases, the fire starts from the electrical cabinet because of a loose terminal, a faulty circuit breaker or improper grounding. We must therefore invite the electrician to check the installation regularly,” insists Grégory Baeza. The same goes for the boiler, the washing machine, the refrigerator, the dryer but also the VMC. Overloading devices and cascading connections, particularly between two power strips, should be banned.
A prize pool for Bruniquel
On New Year’s Eve, Julie and her family lost everything in the fire of their house in Bruniquel. At the initiative of Jennifer Thuilier, a solidarity fundraiser was launched on Leetchi to help them. This approach, relayed on the town hall website, has already mobilized at least 80 contributors.
To participate, simply click here.
In the kitchen. Never be absent when cooking something. It’s well known: metal and microwaves don’t mix, just like burning grease and water. And you absolutely must unplug your hood when flambéing food.
In the living room. The chimney must be swept, by a professional, every year and the firewall is more than recommended. And when we go to bed, the slightest fumarole must be stifled. We are very, very vigilant when putting out our candle and/or cigarette, away from curtains or other flammable materials. Lighters and matches must be placed out of the reach of children. Never leave your scooter or electric screwdriver, for example, charging without supervision. Overcharged lithium batteries are the cause of many fires.
In the bedroom and bathroom. Do not cover radiators and lamps with fabrics. And watch out for halogens too close to the curtains.
For each incident, it is imperative to contact the fire brigade who will issue proof requested by the home insurance.
In the event of a fire, dial 18 (in France) or 112 (works even without a SIM card or on a locked phone throughout Europe).
