The right behaviour in case of fire is crucial to get to safety and to keep fire damage to a minimum. Therefore, it is necessary to regularly inform oneself about escape and rescue routes as well as fire protection devices. In addition, emergency exits, fire doors and escape and rescue routes must always be kept clear.
Good to know: The fire safety regulations contain all the important rules for emergencies. It is advisable to look at them regularly or to remind yourself of them.
What to do if there's a fire?
In the event of a fire, keep calm and avoid panic. It is important to take the right steps to get to safety and fight the fire as quickly as possible.
- Alert the fire brigade via the emergency number 112. Describe the situation clearly and concisely.
- Warn other people in the building, e.g. by activating the fire alarm system.
- Close doors leading to the source of the fire, especially to keep the smoke out.
- Leave the building with other people at risk.
Make an emergency call correctly!
Dial 112 and follow the 4 W-questions:
- Where is the emergency?
- What has happened?
- Who is calling?
- Wait
In dense smoke, it is important to stay close to the ground as the highly toxic smoke rises. Visibility on the ground is better and breathing easier. If escape is not possible due to heavy smoke, doors to the source of the fire should be sealed with damp cloths. This can reduce the penetration of the toxic smoke. In addition, it is necessary to attract the attention of the fire brigade, e.g. at an open window.
Extinguish fire only if you do not put yourself in danger!
In the case of smaller fires, you can attempt to extinguish them. For this purpose, it is necessary to internalise in advance the handling of fire extinguishers and wall hydrants, the fire classes and the correct choice of extinguishing agents. It is advisable to regularly participate in fire safety instruction (incl. practical extinguishing exercise).
Important: Attempts to extinguish fires should only be made with due regard for personal safety. This means that fires should only be extinguished if you do not put yourself in danger.
Guide to the use of fire extinguishers
Download the free guide to using fire extinguishers. Download How to use fire extinguishers correctly (pdf)
Every minute counts for the fire brigade
In addition to the correct behavior in the event of a fire, it is crucial that the fire brigade gets to the scene quickly in an emergency. If there is a fire, they should be on the scene in 8-17 minutes at the most, depending on the region. This basic response time cannot be met everywhere in Germany; in some places, the fire brigade needs up to half an hour.¹ One problem is parking cars that make it difficult for the fire brigade's large emergency vehicles, such as the turntable ladder truck, to reach the scene. It is therefore important to observe the following 3 rules:
- Rescue services need a passage width of 3 metres.
Keep this in mind when parking vehicles - especially in curves. - Parking bans in fire brigade access roads, fire brigade parking areas or fire protection zones must be observed.
- Access to buildings, stairwells, backyards, etc. must be kept clear at all times.