Fire hazards in the home

The majority of fires are started by an error of inattention. Knowing the right gestures and reflexes to make before and during can save lives.

Before

• Install smoke detectors.
• Avoid plugging several appliances into the same socket.
• Keep pans on the fire, a lit candle... under supervision.
• Run used matches under water before throwing them in the trash.

During

If the fire breaks out in your home:

• Emerge immediately, following your evacuation plan. If possible, close the doors behind you.
• Protect your nose and mouth with a damp towel.
• If a closed door is hot (or its handle), block the bottom of the door with a sheet or towel and find another exit, such as a window.
• Walk on all fours under the smoke.
• Compose the 18.
• Never go back inside, even to rescue a person or animal or to retrieve personal belongings.

If the fire breaks out in a dwelling other than your own, or in the common areas of your building:

• Stay in your home (smoke from the fire may invade hallways and stairways).
• Close the door of your dwelling, wet it and caulk it with a damp cloth.
• Move to the window, so that firefighters can see you when they arrive on the scene.
• After the 2nd or 3rd inhalation of smoke, you are putting yourself in danger and may lose consciousness. Call the fire department (18) and do not intervene, otherwise you could be seriously exposed to smoke

The installation of detectors concerns all dwellings, primary residences as well as second homes, private or public housing, whether new or old. Its installation has been compulsory since March 8, 2015.

These devices must be capable of both detecting smoke emitted as soon as a fire starts, and also of emitting a sound signal loud enough to wake up a sleeping person present on the premises.

The detector runs on a battery. It cannot be powered by electricity, as in the event of a fire, the fuses could blow!

How do I choose my detector?

You need to get a smoke detector with CE marking that complies with the harmonized European standard NF EN 14604.

How many smoke detectors do I need to install?

Only one detector is mandatory per dwelling. However, if your house or apartment has several floors, we recommend installing one per floor. Similarly, if your dwelling is large, it's in your interest to install several, so that they can be heard from all rooms.

A landlord or tenant's obligation?

It's up to the landlord or lessor to supply the tenant with the standardized smoke detector.