Fire safety

Smoke detector

A functioning smoke detector is a cheap life-saver. According to the law, every home must have a smoke detector. The resident is responsible for obtaining it and keeping it in working order.

It is also a good idea to have first-aid fire extinguishing equipment at home. At least a fire blanket should be standard equipment in every home. Keep the extinguishing equipment readily available and learn how to use it.

Where to install a smoke detector

There must be at least one smoke detector for each 60 square metres or part thereof on each floor of the home. There must be smoke detectors in each bedroom and on exit routes.

The right place for smoke detectors is in the middle of the ceiling, at a point where smoke can flow freely. Do not place the appliance in damp spaces or in front of ventilation ducts.

You can find a suitable location by referring to the placement instructions provided with the smoke detector.

Keep the smoke detector in working order

Regardless of who purchased the smoke detector, the resident is always responsible for keeping it in working order.

• Test the operation of the smoke detectors once a month and whenever you have been away from home for longer.
• Replace the batteries of all smoke detectors at least once a year, for example, on the Nordic smoke detector day, 1 December.
• If the smoke detector starts beeping intermittently, replace the battery immediately.
• If the smoke detector does not work even after replacing the battery, replace the smoke detector with a new one.
• Mains-operated smoke detectors also have a battery, which is replaced by the maintenance company (please contact the maintenance company of your building). 
• Replace the smoke detectors in your home with new ones every 5–10 years.

Stairways, common areas and access routes

If a fire breaks out in your home, the stairway usually serves as the exit route. For this reason, it is forbidden to store items in the stairway that block the exit route, increase the fire load and are in the way of extinguishing the fire.

• Do not store bicycles, prams or other items in stairways or corridors.
• No flammable or hazardous substances may be stored in the building’s common areas.
• Access routes to the building, especially emergency access roads, must be kept free. They must not be blocked by improper parking or other means.
• Plan the exit routes from your home to safety in advance.
• Remember that the balcony may also have to be used as an exit route. That is why it is important not to store excess items on the balcony.

Electrical appliances

If an electrical appliance has been left on by accident or is defective or improperly installed, it may cause a fire.

Take care of the safety of electrical appliances.

• Always have electrical appliances installed and repaired by a professional.
• Do not use malfunctioning electrical appliances or broken cables.
• Leave some space around the fridge, freezer and TV to allow ventilation.
• Dust accumulates on the outside of the equipment and must be vacuumed from time to time.
• Put light fittings and other electrical appliances that heat up in places where they do not pose a fire hazard.
• Please do not leave food unattended on the stove to cook.
• Do not cover electric radiators or auxiliary heaters.
• When unplugging an electrical appliance, pull on the plug rather than on the cord.
• Do not use a lamp that is more powerful than what is marked on the device.

Sauna

Please also take care of the fire safety of the sauna.

• Do not dry your laundry in the vicinity of the sauna stove even when the stove is off.
• Ensure there is nothing flammable near the sauna stove when you start heating the sauna.
• If you notice anything wrong with the stove, please submit a defect notice to the maintenance company.

Indoor and outdoor candles

Candles create an atmosphere, but they pose a fire safety risk if left unattended.

• Please never leave candles burning unattended. If you are the last person to leave the room, put out the candles.
• Only burn candles on a non-combustible surface.
• Do not burn candles near flammable materials, on a bookshelf or on top of an electrical appliance.
• Do not leave children or pets alone near a burning candle.
• Keep fire-starting materials away from children.
• Outdoor candles must not be burned on a balcony or porch or under a canopy.

Smoking

Smoking is not allowed in the home if the tenancy agreement prohibits it. If smoking is allowed and you smoke inside, please be especially careful.

• A smouldering cigarette easily ignites a fire that produces toxic gases. Smoking in bed or on the couch is risky because you may fall asleep while the cigarette is still smouldering.
• Cigarette butts must not be thrown down from the balcony as they may end up on a balcony below or pose a fire risk if they hit dry grass, for example.
• Please follow the property rules if you smoke outdoors. A cigarette butt thrown on the ground may start a fire in dry summer conditions.