What should I do in the event of a fire in my home?
It's the nightmare of many people: The apartment is on fire! Hartmut Ziebs,
President of the German Fire Brigade Association (DFV), and Prof. Reinhard Ries,
Director of the Fire Department in Frankfurt am Main and representative of the Federal Group
fire departments in the DFV, give tips on how to prevent danger and the right
action in an emergency. "It is important to stay calm as much as possible. This helps,
helps to find out about the escape route and how to use the fire extinguisher beforehand,
extinguisher," advises DFV President Ziebs. Ries adds: "Take care of your own safety
safety before an emergency occurs. This is time well spent!"
Prevent dangers:
- Keep escape and rescue routes clear and memorize them.
- Check smoke alarms regularly and keep them operational.
- Report missing or defective fire-fighting equipment to the building management.
- Do not store large quantities of highly flammable materials on the balcony.
- Do not block fire and smoke protection doors.
- Never leave burning candles unattended.
- Do not store bulky waste or other flammable objects in the area of the facade.
- Keep access routes and movement areas clear for the fire department.
Act correctly in an emergency:
- Keep calm, leave the building via the designated escape and rescue routes and never use the elevator.
- In an emergency, every second counts: Call 112!
- Only attempt to extinguish the fire yourself if it is safe to do so.
- Never flee through fire and smoke, make yourself noticed at the window or balcony!
- Follow the instructions of the fire department!