Residential fires: prevent risks and protect your home

On a daily basis, it is advisable to avoid several risk behaviours.

• Smokers: never smoke in bed and take care to extinguish your cigarettes properly before disposing of them
• Candles: place them on a stable surface, never light them close to flammable materials and put them out before you leave the room
• Children: keep lighters and matches out of the reach of young children
• Barbecue: never use alcohol to light or reignite a barbecue
• Flammable liquids and products: store them away from sources of heat and use them carefully in a well-aired room.
• Gas: ensure gas appliances are used only in well-ventilated spaces.
• Kitchen: always stay nearby when cooking food
• Electrical appliances:
  • avoid leaving them on standby when not in use
  • do not overload extension leads
  • avoid putting flammable materials close to sources of electricity or heat
• Laundry: do not dry your laundry on radiators and take care to remove fluff regularly from the grill at the back of your tumble dryer and washing machine

In an emergency, it can become very difficult to find the exit quickly. Drawing up an evacuation plan in advance can save your life and the lives of your loved ones. In residential buildings, evacuation plans and emergency exits are provided: take the time to make a note of where they are and memorise them.

If you live in a detached house, establish a main evacuation route with all of the occupants, as well as an alternative route in case the first one cannot be used.

If the fire has only just started, an attempt to extinguish it can prevent the fire spreading, as long as the intervention does not pose a risk to your safety. 

To put out a small fire, you need to use the right methods. For example, you must never throw water on a grease fire (involving cooking oil or fat etc.) When water comes into contact with very hot oil, it vaporises instantly, expanding suddenly and spraying burning grease everywhere. This can cause a violent explosion. It is advisable to cut the oxygen supply by covering the recipient containing the flaming grease with a metallic cover for example or a fire blanket. 

Attention! Even if the flames seem to have been extinguished, always contact 112. A fire can continue to smoulder invisibly. The CGDIS has thermal cameras that allow them to detect these hidden outbreaks.

Although not mandatory in Luxembourg, home insurance is strongly recommended to protect your assets and your peace of mind. If you are renting, you should be aware that, in your tenancy agreement, your landlord may demand that you have it. In the easyPROTECT Home contract, the fire guarantee is part of the basic coverage and covers the material damage caused by fire, but also by smoke, soot or the appropriate fire extinguishing means.

In the event of fire, your home insurance can cover material damage (furniture, equipment, personal belongings), the cost of temporary accommodation if your home becomes uninhabitable, as well as your civil liability if the fire spreads to your neighbours. 

It is important to check regularly that the insured sum set out in your insurance contract for furniture insurance matches your current possessions. To facilitate this inventory, use our interactive simulator. In just a few clicks, you can obtain a reliable evaluation for your goods to guarantee adequate cover and to avoid being under-insured in the event of an incident.

If a fire occurs, don't hesitate to contact your LALUX agent immediately. They will support you through this experience: they will guide you through the process, step-by-step, help you to compile your incident claim file and liaise with any other actors involved. Because, over and above compensation, supporting you and ensuring your serenity are what counts the most.