One in four fires is of electrical origin. © Belga Image
Saturday's tragedy is unfortunately not an isolated case. And the worst could perhaps have been avoided thanks to the presence of fire detectors, which will become mandatory in 2025 in the Brussels region. It is therefore better not to wait to install one at home.
In Wallonia and Flanders, these detectors are already required, a very Belgian absurdity denounced by the ASBL Oscare. Furthermore, their presence is often a condition for benefiting from coverage in the event of a loss in most insurance contracts.
Your old stove can cost you a lot of money
One in four fires is of electrical origin. In question? An aging installation, hastily cobbled together cables or even a power strip that is overused. During this time of raclette and Christmas decorations, be extra vigilant!
Generally speaking, if your electrical installation dates from before 1991, a check every 25 years is strongly recommended. And also be careful of small electrical appliances and chargers left plugged in when empty: they can overheat and catch fire without warning.
To avoid going to the pan, be careful in the kitchen
The kitchen is the source of one in five fires. So yes, listening to the radio or watching a series while cooking is one of the little pleasures of life, but be careful not to get too distracted! Remember to set a timer to avoid burning your dishes and maintain your hood regularly. In case something goes wrong, make sure you have a fire extinguisher and fire blanket on hand.
If your teenagers want to get started in the kitchen, an essential reminder is necessary: never water on hot oil! Otherwise, you risk a projection of flames worthy of the best Hollywood studios.
From the scent of jasmine to that of burnt
The sky looks gloomy, and you brighten up your interior with small candles? What a great idea! But be careful: they can emit toxic vapors, and be careful with their surroundings, particularly poorly extinguished cigarette butts. And if you are accustomed to staying under your blanket in front of a wood fire, consider having the chimney swept once a year. Same principle for boilers, wood and pellet stoves.
Faced with an emergency, the right reflexes
What to do if a fire breaks out before your eyes? First, back up carefully. If the fire seems large, get out your cell phone and call 112. For a small fire, grab a fire extinguisher, aim at the base of the flames and make sweeping movements. If you don't have a fire extinguisher, use a damp cloth to smother the flames, but avoid any sudden movements, which could make the situation worse.
Instinct may lead you to pour water, but this is a dangerous mistake. Instead, cover the pan with a lid to smother the flames, and if possible, turn off the heat source. If the situation gets out of control, warn people around you and call 112. Before opening a door, make sure it is not hot to the touch. If there is smoke, get down to the ground, where the air is more breathable, and close the doors behind you to limit its spread. If you get stuck, place damp cloths under the door to block smoke and don't open the windows.
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