ASK THE FOX – Safety Tips for Carnival and Fastnacht

Well Prepared for the Festive Season

The “great days” are just around the corner! Whether it's a Fastnacht session, a private party, or the grand carnival parade—wherever celebrations take place—both small and large hazards may be lurking. To help you safely navigate the fifth season, we have compiled twelve simple yet effective safety tips.

1. Do not wear masks or costumes made of highly flammable material. When purchasing streamers and garlands, look for fire-resistant products. You can identify them by the “B1” marking.
2. When decorating your party room, do not place decorative materials in close proximity to light bulbs, heaters, candles, or other hot objects.
3. Be cautious with open flames in decorated spaces. Arrange candles and lanterns in a way that keeps them safe from the revelry.
4. Provide ashtrays and dispose of their contents only into metal buckets.
5. Clearly mark emergency exits and ensure they remain unobstructed.
6. Keep fire extinguishing equipment handy: fire extinguishers, fire blankets, or buckets of water.
7. Inform yourself in advance and during the event about the weather conditions. Smartphone apps like NINA or KatWarn are just as useful as the German Weather Service app.
8. Even though the chase for “Kamelle” and other thrown items can get intense—maintain a safe distance from parade floats. Pay special attention to children!
9. Enjoy alcohol in moderation. Accidents and illnesses caused by intoxication are the most common reasons for emergency medical services deployments at festive events—such as falls resulting in cuts from broken glass.
10. Park responsibly and keep emergency routes clear!
11. Many fire departments volunteer to help manage and secure carnival parades. Please support these emergency personnel by not interfering with their work.
12. Whether it’s a fire, traffic accident, or a medical emergency: alert the fire brigade by dialing the free emergency number 112.