Protect balcony from fire caused by New Year's Eve firecrackers
A lot of things often accumulate on the balcony or patio in winter: Garden furniture, parasols, empty crates or piles of newspapers. You plan to dispose of them during spring cleaning or put them back in the garden in summer - but this clutter is particularly dangerous on New Year's Eve. If the balcony or terrace is full, this increases the fire load.
In particular, highly flammable materials such as paper or the dried-out Christmas tree should not be stored outside on New Year's Eve, as they could be set alight by a misdirected - or even deliberately fired - firecracker. Such a fire can also spread into the home under certain circumstances.
Fire safety experts therefore advise people to protect their homes from the risk of fire on New Year's Eve by removing furniture, household items and other flammable objects from balconies, terraces and entrances. Windows and doors should also be kept closed. If the balcony does catch fire, you should only attempt to extinguish the fire if this is possible without endangering yourself. Otherwise, close the doors, leave the home with everyone and call the fire department free of charge on 112.