Smoke detector and fire extinguisher advice + discussion? (Topical subject)

There are sooooooo many different types of smoke alarms online that any reviews would sort of be pointless. Have a look at the top sellers on Galaxus or Brack etc.

I’ve got two in my flat along with a fire blanket and 2 fire extinguishers. They were all just top sellers. I’ve got no idea about the legality of keeping the stairwell windows locked though, so I can’t help you there sorry!

I think you are overreacting

Politically loaded post. Look at all the deleted answers.

**Immediate priorities:**

1. **Smoke alarms** – NOT mandatory in Switzerland, but strongly recommended by fire safety experts. Get photoelectric ones with EN 14604 certification. Install in bedroom/hallway. Test monthly. ~CHF 20-30 each.
2. **CO detector** – Only if you have gas heating/appliances. Otherwise skip it.
3. **Kitchen fire blanket** – Absolute must. CHF 15-20. For grease fires (never use water!). Note: Recent testing shows they’re not perfect, but still useful for smothering pan fires.
4. **Fire extinguisher** – Get a **6L foam extinguisher (Schaumlöscher), NOT powder**. Powder destroys everything in your apartment. Alternative: **2-3x Feuerlöschsprays** (~CHF 15 each, like Olymp brand) – easier to use, less mess, perfect for small fires. Place one in kitchen, one near exit. *(I went with sprays after researching – compare options yourself)*

**Escape route reality check:**

* If stairs are blocked by fire/smoke: **You’re NOT going through it.** Smoke kills in 2-3 minutes (fully blocked or just a bit?)
* Close your door, seal gaps with wet towels, call 118, go to window/balcony
* Swiss building codes require fire-resistant doors between apartments – use that time
* **Don’t abseil** unless you’re trained – people die trying this

**Locked stairwell windows:**

* Talk to your **Hausverwaltung** (building management), not the cleaner
* Fire safety trumps hypothetical kid danger
* Document it in writing – if there’s a fire, that’s a liability issue

**Bottom line:** Smoke alarm + fire blanket + foam extinguisher/sprays. But your real safety is: detect early (alarms), **call 118 immediately**, and know when to shelter-in-place vs. evacuate.

**Links:**

* [Rauchmelder info (SRF)](https://www.srf.ch/news/schweiz/toedliche-hausbraende-wieso-es-in-der-schweiz-keine-rauchmelderpflicht-gibt)
* [Fire blanket video concerns](https://youtu.be/D18qJ8kjLXc?si=wwc2dAots_-cvL1t)
* [Feuerlösch Spray (500ml) für Küche, Haus, Auto – Universal Feuerlöscher, Einfache Bedienung, Kühlt effektiv, Geprüft nach BS 6165:2002 – Maximale Sicherheit – Elektronik, Technik & Trends](https://www.ideoon.ch/de/olymp-feuerloesch-spray-fuer-kueche-haushalt-500-ml-wartungsfrei.html?refID=917&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22635717780&gbraid=0AAAAADizyDf5nc0kubTQfwB60k7uBPgdx&gclid=CjwKCAiAmePKBhAfEiwAU3Ko3IzT_KiAD2dqxn6zMENS_EDYkJk2muvhxclsYI9oCHTJkGXmjC0S6xoCXSIQAvD_BwE)
* [set of 2 Effective compact ABC powder fire extinguisher, 1 kg, fire classes 5A 34B C, ideal for kitchen, household, car, barbecues and camping – Electronics, Technology & Trends](https://www.ideoon.ch/en/set-of-2-compact-abc-fire-extinguishers-for-cars-amp-co-1-kg-5a-34b-c-ch6620.html?refID=917&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22165799178&gbraid=0AAAAAo2wSEtZgVF0jprlSUh9ROv4An8Bw&gclid=CjwKCAiAmePKBhAfEiwAU3Ko3BYpWOYaoJ-a4gksQbHraIfrYmCz6u9f25GGKo6_9C5ZZJJhogrFpRoCOAUQAvD_BwE)
* Somebody else’s comment that is also very important to read: [https://www.reddit.com/r/Switzerland/comments/1q2rps1/comment/nxfflf5/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button](https://www.reddit.com/r/Switzerland/comments/1q2rps1/comment/nxfflf5/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button)

i have a fire extinguisher at home – bought in Germany for 10 CHF.

Was recently looking for one for GF’s apartment since she got herself a chemine and one thing i would advise NOT to buy is this:
[https://www.jumbo.ch/de/wohnen-licht/sicherheit/feuerloescher/ogniochron-pulver-feuerloescher-1kg-abc-mit-manometer/p/](https://www.jumbo.ch/de/wohnen-licht/sicherheit/feuerloescher/ogniochron-pulver-feuerloescher-1kg-abc-mit-manometer/p/)

Reason: this is a Polish brand and being Polish i checked how much this 29.95 CHF fire extinguisher costs back home: 40 PLN, including a holder which is about 8.80 CHF (and this with 23% VAT).

So if somebody can sell it for 8.80 CHF including 23% VAT/MwST in Poland, then somebody here is getting ripped off massively…

If you want one install it yourself, don’t decide for all of us.

Fire alarms don’t prevent anything and they are more of an annoyance. I lived in a country where it was mandatory and it was awful.