Fire safety at home

• Rescue those in immediate danger.
• Warn others nearby.
• Alert 112.
• Extinguish the fire if it can be done safely.

To quickly detect and manage a fire, we recommend that all homes are equipped with the right fire safety equipment. Here are some important considerations to ensure that the equipment is effective:

• Smoke Detector: Place at least one smoke detector near the kitchen (where many fires start) and in or near bedrooms so that you can hear the alarm even when sleeping. Regularly check the batteries and test the smoke detectors once a month.
• Fire Blanket: Choose a fire blanket that is at least 120×180 cm, so it can cover a person and smother flames if clothing catches fire. Keep the fire blanket easily accessible, for example, in the kitchen, so it’s ready if an accident occurs.
• Fire Extinguisher: A fire extinguisher of at least 6 kg is recommended for the home, as it can handle most types of fires and is effective against both small and larger fires. Place it in an easily accessible spot, and check annually to ensure the pressure is correct.

If the fire is in your apartment, evacuate immediately and close the door behind you to prevent the spread of smoke and fire. If the fire is in another area and you detect smoke in the stairwell, stay in your apartment and keep the door closed. Never use the elevator during a fire. If you cannot evacuate through the stairwell, wait for help from the fire department.

Small fires can often be extinguished if you act quickly:

• Fire in a pot: Place a lid on it to smother the flames. Never pour water on a burning pot or pan – it can spread the fire.
• Fire in electrical equipment: Unplug it if possible and use a fire blanket or extinguisher.
• Fire in clothing: Lie down and smother the flames by rolling on the ground with your hands protecting your face.

Practicing evacuation is also a good preparation. Agree on a meeting point outside the home so that everyone knows where to gather if you need to leave the house quickly.

Accidents involving propane can lead to fires and serious injuries, often due to leaks in gas appliances or hoses, as well as placing propane equipment near flammable materials.

• Storage in Apartments: Propane cylinders must not be stored or used indoors in apartments within multi-family buildings.
• Attics, Basements, and Garages: It is prohibited to store or use propane cylinders or other flammable gases in garages, basement storage rooms, and attics, with the exception of single aerosol containers.
• Outdoor Balconies: Propane cylinders up to 30 liters (P11) may be stored and used on an open balcony. On enclosed balconies, cylinders up to 5 liters are permitted, provided the balcony is adequately ventilated.

In case of a fire involving a propane cylinder, immediately shut off the gas supply at the cylinder valve. Do not extinguish a flame without first shutting off the gas, as leaking gas can accumulate and lead to an explosion.

The Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB) offers brochures that provide helpful and detailed guidance on the safe handling of propane and other flammable liquids in residential environments.

For safety in a stairwell, it is crucial to keep the area free of obstacles and flammable materials, allowing residents and the fire department to move freely in case of a fire. Do not store strollers, newspapers, or anything else that can pose a fire risk or block the way.

The stairwell is also the fire department’s access route during a fire, so it is important for them to reach it easily. If you have questions about fire safety in the stairwell, it is recommended to contact your local fire department for guidance and safety advice.