Avoid accidents!

In 2025, POAS had an unusually high number of near misses related to fire safety. The most common hazards were caused by the incorrect use of saunas and stoves or ovens in apartments. In this article, we remind all residents of the importance of fire safety by highlighting real near misses in their own context and explaining the costs they incur.

Case 1

What happened?

According to the tenant, they were cooking and left the stove on. They fell asleep and woke up to a fire. There was food in a pot on the stove, and next to the pot were a carton of eggs and a roll of baking paper, which caught fire. According to the resident, he did not have home insurance. The fire alarm was not working due to a broken battery. There was also a smell of burning in the stairwell.

Main points:

• Total cost of damage repair: 17 500€
• Tenant’s smoke alarm not working
• Tenant did not have home insurance
• Tenant did not report the damage to the emergency services

Case 2

What happened?

According to the resident, they had been drying towels on top of the sauna heater guard rail. For some reason, the heater had been left on and the towels had caught fire. The fire spread from the towels to the protective railing of the sauna heater, the wall panels, and the door. The resident extinguished the fire himself but did not report it to the emergency services.

Main points:

• Total repair costs 4200€
• Tenats’s smoke alarm not working
• Tenant does not have home insurance
• Damage not reported to POAS; maintenance worker noticed damage during separate visit

Case 3

What happened?

In one property, grease had been poured down the drain in several apartments, causing a major blockage in the sewer system. In such cases, there is a high risk of sewage rising from the sewers into the apartments, causing water damage.

What can you do to improve your own safety and that of others?

Small actions can prevent major damage. Familiarize yourself with the most important safety instructions and check that your home is safe every day and every holiday.

1. Working smoke alarm – the most important safety device in your home

• A working smoke alarm gives you crucial minutes to escape safely.
• Test your smoke alarm regularly; testing smoke alarms is the responsibility of the tenant.
• If your smoke alarm is broken, missing, or out of batteries, report it to POAS immediately.

2. Sauna use and safety

• The sauna must not be used for storage!
• Nothing may be dried near the sauna heater.
• Always turn off the stove after use and make sure that it does not remain on.
• Children must not be left unattended in the sauna.
• Ensure adequate ventilation and compliance with the safety distances around the stove.
• Do not use the sauna to heat the apartment!

3. Oven and heating

• Clean the oven and stove regularly, as grease residues can catch fire.
• Do not leave the stove or oven unattended, even for a short time.
• Do not dry laundry on heating appliances.
• Do not use the oven to heat your home!

4. Additional heaters

The use of additional heaters is not recommended. Only use additional heaters in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Their thermostats may interfere with the temperature measurement and heating system, which distorts the indoor temperature data and increases electricity consumption

• As heating costs rise, rent may also increase.
• Never cover the heater or place it too close to textiles or furniture.
• Always turn off the heater before going to bed or leaving home.
• Check that the cord is not pinched or damaged.

5. Fire safety is especially important during the winter and holiday season

• Do not leave candles burning unattended. Place them on a non-flammable surface.
• Choose LED candles
• Christmas lights must be intact, CE marked, and intended for indoor or outdoor use as appropriate.
• Be especially careful when cooking food
• Oil or grease left on the stove can easily catch fire!

Do not pour grease down the drain! Hot grease can cause drain blockages and even a fire hazard in your home and on the premises. Collect the grease in a container and dispose of it as bio or mixed waste according to the instructions.

Remember:

Prevention is the best remedy. Regular checks and carefulness in everyday tasks effectively prevent fires and increase the safety of you and others living in the building.