Overview
- Only about 30% of respondents say they feel ready for a residential fire, according to an ADAC online poll of 2,167 adults conducted in September and described as representative.
- Basic gear is widely missing from households, with 59% lacking a fire extinguisher, 81% without a fire blanket, and 95% without fire‑suppressant spray.
- Many people believe they can stay five to seven minutes in a room with a cable, battery, or wreath fire, yet experts advise leaving immediately because toxic smoke and gases can become life‑threatening within minutes.
- Just 17% knew a powder extinguisher should not be used on an Advent wreath fire, as residue spreads widely and can ruin furniture and electronics; a Class A agent is recommended for solid materials.
- Safety advice highlights a fire‑suppressant spray within reach, a kitchen fire blanket for grease fires, never using water on burning fat, regular extinguisher maintenance, CO detectors, and fast evacuation tactics such as closing doors and staying low under smoke.