The end of the year is a time of socialising and celebrating with friends and family, but is always marked by accidents that could have been prevented. To ensure that this year's celebrations remain jollly, the Brussels fire service has shared a few tips.
Candles, Christmas trees, fondue sets, fireworks... all of these can quickly turn your party into a nightmare when not attended to correctly. A burning candle placed too close to the curtains or the dried-out Christmas tree can set a house ablaze in minutes.
"To prevent all this, the Brussels fire service is giving some tips for a safe end-of-year," said spokesperson Walter Derieuw.
Christmas tree and decorations
"If you want a real tree, preferably buy one with roots. Water the tree regularly so that it does not dry out to reduce the risk of fire," Derieuw said, adding that those buying a fake tree should make sure it is not made with flammable materials.
When putting up Christmas lights, opt for LEDs: they give off less heat than incandescent bulbs and also consume less electricity.
Credit: Belga
Always check the wiring of the Christmas tree lights for damage, especially after they have been stored in the attic/cellar since the last time they were used.
"Seems like a logical one, but do not place the Christmas tree too close to curtains or other easily flammable items or heat sources such as a fireplace or stove," Derieuw said.
Candles: keep it cosy and safe
Place candles and tealights in a sturdy holder on a flat surface. Better still, place them in a glass holder so they are out of draft.
"Never leave children or pets alone with burning candles. Not even for a short while," Derieuw stressed.
Place candles or tealights in a visible place at all times. Do not place them near flammable objects such as curtains or decorations. Always turn off the lights before going to sleep or leaving the house.
Fondue and gourmet
In light of the popular appetite for cheesy meals during the festive season, Derieuw stresses the importance of putting the fondue on a non-flammable surface and recommends using a fire paste or gel instead of fire ethanol or spirit. "Or better yet, use an electric appliance for fondue or gourmet." He called extra attention to stray wires that someone might trip over.
Do not attempt to extinguish a burning fondue pan or gourmet set with water, he stressed. "First switch off the energy source (electricity, gas). Then carefully use the lid of the appliance or a fire blanket to extinguish the flames. Under no circumstances move the appliance. Call 112 afterwards so the fire brigade can check whether everything is absolutely safe."
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Lastly, the fire service stressed the importance of a smoke detector: it doubles people's chances of surviving a house fire.
"You can find a good quality smoke detector with a 10-year non-replaceable battery for less than €25," he said, adding that they make "the perfect Christmas gift."
