Common Fire Hazards and Safety Tips for Home

Statistically, there is a fire in a flat or house in Germany every two to three minutes. Janna Poll, an insurance expert from ERGO, explains the fire risks in our own four walls and what preventive measures are sensible.

Fire in the Kitchen

One of the main causes of residential fires in Germany is human error. The number of reported kitchen fires is particularly striking. "They often occur because the stove is accidentally turned on while something flammable is left on the cooktop," explains Janna Poll. To prevent kitchen fires, it is advisable to use stove protection products, such as special cover plates or stove monitors that detect when the stove is unintentionally heated. "It is also important not to place flammable objects like towels, boxes, or plastic packaging on the cooktop," advises the expert.

Smouldering Cigarettes

Careless handling of cigarettes is another common cause for fires—for example when embers fall onto a couch or bed, or when still smouldering cigarette butts are disposed of in the bin. Smokers can significantly reduce the fire risk with simple precautions. "Smoking cigarettes while half-asleep or in bed is never a good idea," emphasizes Poll. It is also important to use ashtrays that cannot tip over and to dispose of cigarette butts only when they have cooled down completely—ideally in a metal container with a lid.

Dangers from Electronic Devices and Lithium-Ion Batteries

Electronic devices are an integral part of our daily lives and it is impossible to imagine modern life without them. "Many of them—such as smartphones, electric toothbrushes, cordless drills, children's toys, or e-bikes—contain lithium-ion batteries," explains the ERGO expert. These powerful energy storage devices have a significantly higher energy content compared to conventional batteries, and therefore also pose an increased fire risk. Incidents frequently occur, especially during charging. To prevent overheating and damage, Poll recommends charging lithium-ion batteries only with the original charger and according to the manufacturer's specifications. "Charging overnight, unattended, or on soft, flammable surfaces like sofas or beds is particularly dangerous," she warns. If a battery shows visible damage such as cracks, deformities, or swelling, it is best to replace it immediately. Extreme temperatures—whether from direct sunlight, heat, or frost—can also significantly compromise battery safety.

Power Strips as a Hidden Hazard

Old buildings in particular often lack sufficientpower outlets. The common solution is to use power strips. However, the fire risk increases when multiple high-power devices are plugged in and used simultaneously. For example, a coffee machine typically consumes about 1400 watts, a kettle 2000 watts, and a microwave 800 watts—totalling around 4200 watts. However, most power strips are only rated for a maximum of 2300 watts. "There is a risk that an overloaded power strip can heat up to over 200 degrees within a few minutes and cause a smouldering fire. These fires are particularly dangerous as they often go undetected for a long time," says the ERGO insurance expert. High-power devices like kettles or microwaves should be plugged directly into wall outlets. Plugging multiple power strips into each other is also a commonly underestimated risk. Never bend or crush cables and wires. "Damaged plugs or strips should be replaced immediately," advises Poll. To prevent heat buildup, power strips should never be hidden under ceilings or carpets. When purchasing, alwyas look for tested quality.