Fire safety

Smoke and fire detector
There are different types of smoke detectors:

• Detectors that operate on a 9 volt block battery
• Detectors that operate on the home’s mains power
• Both contain a 9 volt battery, which can run out. When this happens, the detector will intermittently emit a short beep as a warning. The battery must then be replaced.

Smoke and fire detectors are there to increase your safety. That is why it is important to maintain the smoke and fire detectors. Clean them once a year by going over them with a vacuum cleaner. There is a test button on the detector. When you press this, an alarm signal goes off. This way you can see if the detector is working properly.

Fire extinguisher
Fire extinguishers are located in some collective buildings. They are there for your safety and are checked every year and possibly provided with new parts. It is important that you are familiar with the operation of a fire extinguisher, so that you can act immediately in case of emergency.
Operation of portable fire extinguishers:

• Remove the device from the holder
• Walk to the fire pit
• Remove the cotter pin
• Direct the nozzle
• Squeeze the valve

The costs of the inspection that is carried out every year are for the tenants account, if they are included in the service costs. Therefore, you should only use the fire extinguisher when necessary.

Sometimes there are water hoses that are tied around a red reel. There is a shut-off valve at the supply to the reel, which means that there is no pressure in the hose in normal conditions. In the event of a fire, it is better to call the emergency number first. If you want to try to extinguish the fire yourself:

• Open the supply tap
• Unroll the hose
• Walk to the fire source

NB
Most fatal fires are caused by smoke suffocation. So get outside as soon as possible and call 911!