Over the past ten years, a total of 25 people have lost their lives in fires in cabins and holiday homes. The use of open flames and electricity are the most common causes of fire in the cabin.
Remember a new battery
Most fires start at night. A smoke detector that works is a cheap insurance to get out in time. There must be fire alarm systems or smoke detector(s) in all homes, cabins and holiday homes. There must be at least one smoke detector on each floor. It will cover the kitchen, living room, zones outside bedrooms and the zone outside the technical room. There cannot be a door between the room where the smoke detector hangs and the area to be covered. For example, if you have the smoke detector in the living room and you have a door into the kitchen, you must also have a smoke detector there.
You should be able to hear the alarm clearly in living rooms and bedrooms when the doors between the rooms are closed. Check the smoke detectors at regular intervals. Make it a rule of thumb to bring a new battery when shopping for the holidays.
Careless with fire protection
In a survey from 2011, eight percent of cabin owners answered that they did not have a smoke detector in their cabin. One in three had not changed the battery in their smoke detector in the past year. In practice, this means that 150,000 cabins can be without a working smoke detector.
Create an emergency poster
Every year, the fire service responds to between 100 and 150 cabin fires. Make an emergency poster for the cabin so you are better prepared to explain the rescue teams the way to where you are.
Checklist for good fire safety at the cabin
- Make sure the cabin has a smoke detector and fire extinguishing equipment.
- Check that the smoke detector is working and that it can be heard in all bedrooms and living areas, even when the doors are closed.
- Check that extinguishing agents such as fire hoses or fire extinguishers are readily available.
- Make sure escape routes are easily accessible and free of snow.
- Never leave candles or portable electric heaters in use.