Summer holidays: why vigilance against fires remains essential

Summer is generally synonymous with holidays, travel, barbecues, and moments of relaxation. However, this period is also accompanied by an increase in certain fire risks. Heat, drought, electrical appliances left on, unoccupied homes, or outdoor activities: just a few minutes of inattention can be enough to cause a fire.

Before going on holiday or fully enjoying the summer, a few simple precautions can effectively protect your family, your home, and your business.

Why do fire risks increase during the holidays?

During the summer period, our habits change. We use barbecues, garden equipment, air conditioners, fans, and charging devices more. At the same time, many homes, offices, shops, and workshops remain unoccupied for several days.

Heat can also exacerbate certain risks, especially when electrical equipment is old, poorly ventilated, overloaded, or directly exposed to the sun. In the event of a fire starting in an empty building, the fire can develop for a long time before being detected.

Prevention should therefore start even before leaving for holiday.

Checks to carry out before leaving your home

Before closing the door for several days, take a few minutes to walk around your home.

Unplug non-essential appliances

Televisions, coffee machines, computers, chargers, power strips and small electrical appliances can remain unnecessarily powered. Unplugging them reduces both electricity consumption and the risks associated with overheating or technical faults.

Devices that need to remain operational, such as a refrigerator, a freezer or a security system, must be properly ventilated and plugged into a well-maintained installation.

Check the power strips and extension leads

An overloaded or damaged power strip can cause overheating. Avoid plugging multiple high-power devices into the same socket and never plug multiple power strips into one another.

Do not leave any battery charging

Electric scooters, electric bikes, tools, external batteries and other rechargeable devices should not be left charging unattended during your absence.

Use only a suitable charger and avoid charging a battery on a bed, sofa, carpet or near flammable materials.

Check the smoke detectors

Test your detectors before you leave and replace the batteries if necessary. A properly installed detector can quickly alert occupants or people nearby.

If you have connected detectors, also check their connection and the proper functioning of notifications.

Close the internal doors

Closing the doors of different rooms can slow the spread of smoke and flames in the event of a fire. This simple action can limit damage and give emergency services more time to respond.

Businesses: unoccupied premises remain exposed

During collective holidays, many offices, workshops, warehouses and shops operate with a reduced workforce or remain completely closed. However, electrical cabinets, servers, computer systems, refrigeration equipment and technical installations often continue to operate.

Before the summer closure, it is recommended to:

• check the installations and electrical cabinets;
• unplug unused devices;
• remove waste and combustible materials;
• clear access to fire extinguishers and emergency exits;
• check fire detection systems;
• identify the equipment that will remain powered;
• designate a reachable person in case of alert;
• inform employees of emergency procedures.

Particular attention should be paid to electrical cabinets and technical rooms. A short circuit or overheating can cause a fire to start inside even a closed piece of equipment, sometimes without any immediately visible signs from the outside.

Barbecues and outdoor activities: adopt the right reflexes

The barbecue remains one of the great classics of summer, but it must always be used with caution.

Set it up on a stable surface, away from vegetation, garden furniture, parasols and facades. Never use it in a closed or poorly ventilated space.

Never pour alcohol, petrol or other flammable liquids on flames or embers. Keep children and animals at a distance and always have an appropriate means of extinguishing nearby.

After use, ensure that the embers are completely extinguished. They can remain hot for several hours and cause a fire if placed too quickly in a bin.

Caution with vehicles during periods of high heat

Vehicles are also exposed to fire risks, particularly in the event of electrical, mechanical problems or overheating.

Avoid leaving batteries, electronic devices, aerosols or lighters directly exposed to the sun in the cabin. Before a long journey, have the vehicle checked and remain alert to unusual smells, smoke or warning lights.

Having a compact and easily accessible fire extinguisher in the vehicle can allow for a quick response to a fire outbreak, only when the situation can be controlled without putting oneself in danger.

Holiday rentals, hotels and campsites: identify safety equipment

When you arrive at a holiday accommodation, take a moment to identify:

• the exits and evacuation routes;
• the presence and location of smoke detectors;
• the available fire extinguishers;
• the exact number of the accommodation or location;
• the address to communicate to emergency services.

In a hotel, consult the evacuation plan displayed in the room. In a campsite, respect the safety distances imposed for barbecues, stoves and gas bottles.

What to do in case of a fire outbreak?

If a fire breaks out, your safety remains the top priority.

Immediately alert those present, leave the premises and call 112. Close the doors behind you when it can be done safely to slow the spread of fire and smoke.

Only attempt to intervene on a fire outbreak if it is still limited, if you have suitable equipment, and if you always maintain an accessible exit route. If in doubt, evacuate immediately and wait for help to arrive.

CGDIS reminds that prevention relies on the ability to recognise, prevent and assess hazards, as well as to adopt the right actions in an emergency situation. Safety and prevention training is notably offered to the public in Luxembourg.

Active protection, even during your absence

Prevention is not just about having a fire extinguisher. It also involves being able to detect and control a fire outbreak as quickly as possible.

Automatic solutions MAUS STIXX PRO are specially designed to protect closed technical spaces, such as electrical cabinets. When a fire outbreak is detected, the system automatically activates inside the protected space, even when no one is present on site.

For homes, vehicles, offices or holiday rentals, the MAUS Xtin Klein is a compact, lightweight and easy-to-keep fire extinguishing solution.

Leave with peace of mind

A few minutes of checking before departure can prevent considerable human and material consequences. This summer, remember to check your installations, unplug unnecessary equipment, and plan for suitable detection and extinguishing means.

Rockatz assists you in risk assessment and the implementation of fire protection solutions for homes, vehicles, offices, shops, technical premises, and electrical cabinets.

Do you want to secure your home or installations before the holidays? Contact us for personalised advice and a quote tailored to your needs.