Wishing you a fireproof Christmas: How to make it safely through the holiday season

Nov 14, 2018.

Candles are an important part of Christmas. They create a cozy atmosphere perched atop advent wreaths, in floral arrangements and on Christmas trees.  But they are also the major cause of a lot of the fires that plague Switzerland each year between the first day of Advent and New Year. Our tips will help you handle candles safely and enjoy a safe Christmas.

The pine needles in your Christmas decorations dry out rapidly in heated rooms and catch fire easily. Follow the recommendations below and you will not need to worry about a fire breaking out in your home:

 

1. Burn your candles in a safe place

Avoid placing them in a draught or near flammable materials. Make sure your candles are at a safe distance from curtains, wallpaper and furniture.
 

2. Put your candles in proper, stable holders 

Avoid using wobbly or flammable holders. Make sure your candles cannot fall over and are outside the reach of children and pets.
 

3. Keep candles within your sight 

Always extinguish all candles when you leave the room.
 

4. Do not let your candles burn down to the wick

Replace them in good time. Burned-down candles can very quickly set your decorative greenery alight.
 

5. Keep your Christmas tree moist 

Place your Christmas tree in a stand containing sufficient water. Buy your tree just before the holidays so as to ensure that the branches do not dry out too quickly.
 

6. Take care when decorating your Christmas tree

Make sure the candles are upright and at least 30 cm from your tree decorations and branches.
 

7. Have an extinguishing agent on hand

Keep a bucket of water near your tree.

 

If your Christmas tree catches fire despite all your precautions, call the fire brigade on the 118 emergency number. Close all doors and windows, leave the building and alert your neighbours.

 

Your household contents insurance will cover the financial consequences of fire damage. Make sure that your insurance is up to date and that the insured amount corresponds with the value of the contents of your home. Any major damage to the masonry caused by a fire is covered by your property insurance or your cantonal building insurance.

 

Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions. We wish you a worry-free pre-Christmas season and happy holidays.