> Fire safety at the summer cottage
> Source: https://pap.fi/en/2019/07/mokkeilyn-paloturvallisuus/
> Full site in machine-readable form (in Finnish): https://pap.fi/llms-full.txt
> Pages in English: https://pap.fi/llms.txt

# Fire safety at the summer cottage

During the summer cottage season, PAP Group would like to remind you about fire safety at the cottage. It is a good idea to go through fire safety systematically at the very start of the cottage season, as getting help in an emergency can take considerably longer than in town.

**Working smoke alarms, escape routes and the ability to use first-aid firefighting equipment are key at a holiday home, too.**

1.  Check that the smoke alarm works as soon as you arrive at the cottage. The battery or the whole smoke alarm may have failed in the cold and damp. At the cottage, also check the smoke alarm with the test button every month.
2.  Heat the fireplace carefully the first few times at the start of the summer. Heating it too quickly may cause cracks in the flues or the fireplace. Burn a small amount of paper to check that the flue is drawing. After that, heat the fireplace a little at a time with small pieces of wood.
3.  Make sure that the first-aid firefighting equipment at the cottage works and that everyone knows how to use it. A portable fire extinguisher, a fire blanket and a traditional pre-filled bucket pump are effective extinguishing equipment.
4.  Think in advance about what to do in case of fire: how to get out of the building and where to gather, who looks after children and older people, who calls the emergency number and who starts first-aid firefighting. Also find out the cottage’s exact address and driving directions. Make sure your guests also know what to do in the event of a fire.
5.  Check the condition of electrical and gas appliances at the start of the summer. Damp and cold may have caused damage, or mice may have gnawed the cables. Do not use faulty appliances; have them repaired or replace them with new ones. The hazards of using gas are carbon monoxide, gas leaks and a fire igniting explosively from a leak. Test the hose by bending it sharply; if you see cracks, replace the hose. You can check that the connections are tight by brushing soapy water onto them; if bubbles appear, the connections must be tightened.
6.  Beware of carbon monoxide! Fireplace dampers must not be closed until the very last glowing ember has gone out. Remember that smouldering embers may also have fallen into the ash pit. Carbon monoxide is an odourless but deadly gas!

(Sources: Finnish National Rescue Association [SPEK](https://www.spek.fi/) and TS Koti)

See also: [Fire safety in homes](https://pap.fi/en/2019/08/paloturvallisuus-kodeissa/).

PAP Group wishes you a good and relaxing summer!