Fire and explosion
The probability of experiencing a fire at home in the Netherlands is 1 in 65. Most house fires are caused by smoking, cooking and electrical appliances. A small fire can already grow into a big one within three minutes. So it is very important to prevent fires from breaking out. And if it does happen, that you can escape quickly and safely.
Large explosions are rare and there are strict rules for storing and transporting dangerous substances, fireworks and ammunition. But smaller explosions happen more often, for instance due to a gas leak. In a home, this can be caused by leaving the gas cooker on or a broken gas pipe. The damage in an explosion may be extensive and fire may also sometimes occur.
Think ahead
- Install smoke detectors in escape routes and all rooms where fire can start.
- Buy a fire blanket or a fire extinguisher. In many cases, you can extinguish an incipient fire in your house yourself with a fire blanket or a suitable extinguisher. In a house, a 6-litre spray foam extinguisher is most suitable.
- Put your phone next to your bed and put house keys in a fixed place. Preferably near the doors.
- Make an escape plan (information in Dutch only) and also determine an alternative, second escape route. Discuss this plan with your housemates.
- Always close the internal doors before going to sleep. This gives you more chance and time to escape safely.
- In case of fire, always call 112.
- Visit www.brandweer.nl for more information and tips on fire safety (information in Dutch only), fire prevention and what to do if things do go wrong.
- Have your gas and water heater and central heating boiler checked every year by a professional.
- Can you smell gas indoors? Open all windows and doors if there is time. Close the gas tap in the meter cupboard. You can recognize this by the yellow gas cable. Go outside and call the national Gas and Electricity service helpline: 0800 - 9009.
Government actions
In the Netherlands, the security regions are responsible for the tasks of the fire brigade in that region. They prevent and fight fires, accidents and disasters.
In the Netherlands, strict safety regulations apply to the storage and transport of hazardous substances by road, water and rail. These rules apply, for example, to packaging, what is on the label and the registration of hazardous substances. Incidents involving these hazardous substances can thus be prevented.