Fire safety

Smoke detector and first-aid fire extinguishing equipment

A working fire alarm can save your life. By law, every apartment must have a fire alarm and the resident is responsible for monthly testing of fire alarms. Heka is installing fire alarms in all apartments. If your apartment does not yet have a fire alarm or it is in function, submit a defect notification.

It is a good idea to have first-aid fire extinguishing equipment at home, such as a fire blanket, a dry powder extinguisher and a bucket pump. Learn how to use them and have your fire extinguishers serviced at a service centre supervised by the Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency.

Maintenance of a fire alarm

It is always the responsibility of the tenant to ensure that the fire alarm is in working order, regardless of who supplied it. Here's how to make sure that your fire alarm is working as intended: 

Test the fire alarm regularly every month by holding down on the button on the alarm for a few seconds. If the alarm sounds when the button is held down, it is working properly. If the alarm does not emit a sound, then it is defective. If this is the case, submit a defect notification about the fire alarm to your Heka regional office.
Keep the fire alarm clean of dust by carefully vacuuming with the vacuum cleaner's small nozzle or by gently wiping it with a damp cloth. Opening the fire alarm is prohibited!

Electrical devices

An electrical device that has been forgotten on or is defective or improperly installed can cause a fire.

How to take care of the safety of electrical devices

• Have electrical devices installed and repaired by a professional.
• Do not use electrical devices that are in poor condition.
• Unplug the device by pulling on the plug, not the cord.
• In lamps, do not use a bulb that is more powerful than what is specified on the device.
• Place the refrigerator, freezer and TV in such a way that there is free ventilated space around them.
• Vacuum any dust from the outside of the devices when necessary.
• Do not cover electric radiators or supplementary heaters.

Smoking

Dozens of people die in fires caused by smoking in Finland every year. A cigarette left smouldering can easily ignite a fire that often advances slowly and produces toxic gases that disable vital functions. Smoking in bed or on the sofa is risky because the smoker is often asleep when the fire breaks out. So special care should be taken when smoking while tired or under the influence of alcohol.

Candles and outdoor candles

Candles create a warm atmosphere during dark winter evenings. However, a flame that looks small and innocent can wreak havoc if treated carelessly. So please remember these few things:

• Do not burn candles on a bookshelf, on a television or any other electrical devices or in any other way near flammable materials.
• Only burn candles on a non-flammable surface.
• Never leave a candle burning unattended.
• Do not leave children or pets alone near a burning candle.
• Outdoor candles are not intended for use on balconies. Do not burn them on the porch or under a canopy either.

Sauna

Many fires start in the sauna when flammable material is left near the heater. Remember these points, and you can enjoy your sauna time without worry:

• Never dry laundry above or near the sauna heater, even when the heater is off.
• Make sure that nothing flammable is left near the heater when you start heating it.
• If you notice a fault in the heater’s heating elements or controls, submit a defect notification.

Stairwells and other public facilities

Objects left in stairwells and other public facilities are a fire safety risk.

• Do not store bicycles, prams or other objects in the hallways.
• No flammable or hazardous substances may be stored in the shared facilities of the building.
• Keep doors between fire compartments closed in public and shared facilities. Also lock basements, attics and storage facilities and keep them tidy.
• Driveways leading to the building must be kept clear. They must not be blocked by improper parking or other means.