How can I promote fire safety?

How Can I Prevent a Fire in My Apartment?

One of the most common causes of residential fires is drying laundry in the sauna.
 Never store or dry anything in the sauna.

Open flames are prohibited on balconies and terraces.

 Candles create atmosphere—but use them safely:

• Place candles on fire-safe surfaces and check their placement carefully.
• Choose sturdy holders that won’t tip or catch fire easily.
• Avoid decorative rings around candles—they’re highly flammable.
• Don’t use enclosed or thin glass/porcelain lanterns; wax vapor can cause breakage.
• Always extinguish candles when leaving the room.

Keep matches and lighters out of children’s reach.

Unattended cooking is a frequent cause of fires.
 Never leave food cooking on the stove unsupervised.

Faulty electrical devices can spark fires.
 Take damaged appliances or cords to repair or electrical waste recycling (SER).

Get first-aid fire extinguishing tools and learn how to use them.

 Smoking-related fires are still common:

• Indoor smoking has been banned in YH Kodit apartments under agreements since 2014.
• Since 2020, balcony smoking has also been prohibited under newer agreements.
• Smoke only in designated areas, and make sure the cigarette is fully extinguished afterward.

Despite all precautions, accidents can still happen.
 Go over emergency exits and action plans with your family. Practice how to act in a fire situation.

 How Can I Promote General Fire Safety?

• Keep escape and rescue routes clear.
   Never park vehicles or place objects on rescue roads or near exit routes.

Download the 112 Suomi app
It directs emergency help to your location and provides non-urgent service numbers and alerts from authorities.

 Call the emergency number if you hear a fire alarm in a neighbor’s apartment.
 Your call is never unnecessary—never assume someone else will report it.

 Insurance Reminder
YH Kodit buildings are insured against damage, but this only covers the structure and fixed fixtures.
 Residents must have home insurance to protect personal belongings from fire, water damage, etc.
Home insurance is mandatory for YH Kodit residents.

 Are Smoke Alarms Required?
By law:

• Each floor of a residence must have at least one working smoke alarm.
• There must be one alarm for every 60 square meters or part thereof.
• Residents are responsible for checking the alarm’s functionality. ➡️ Report any issues to the maintenance company or customer service.

Important Update:
As of January 1, 2024, responsibility for acquiring and maintaining smoke alarms is transitioning from residents to the property owner.
This shift will be complete by January 1, 2026.

 In Case of Fire:

1. RESCUE people.
2. ALERT those in danger.
3. EXTINGUISH with the nearest extinguisher.
4. CALL emergency services: 112.
5. LIMIT the fire—close doors, windows, and ventilation.
6. GUIDE firefighters to the site.

 Never use an elevator during a fire.