Khaberni - The Civil Defense Directorate emphasized the importance of safe usage of heating devices during winter, stressing the necessity to adhere to safety guidelines to avoid painful and recurring accidents that are dealt with annually. These incidents, often resulting from the incorrect use of heaters of various types, directly endanger lives and properties.
The Directorate clarified that Civil Defense crews deal with choking incidents and fires every year, caused by the misuse of heaters or non-compliance with general safety conditions. This requires increased awareness and attention within homes, especially during periods of low temperatures.
The Civil Defense Directorate urged the necessity to inspect heaters before operating them, whether they run on electricity, gas, or kerosene, and to ensure the safety of wires, connections, gas hoses, and safety valves. It also called for operating heaters in well-ventilated areas and not to overload electrical outlets to avoid electrical short circuits or fires.
The Directorate also urged avoiding refilling kerosene heaters inside homes or while they are operating, advising to refill them only when completely turned off and in open areas away from heat sources. It also emphasized the importance of not using charcoal grills inside homes due to their danger. In case of using wood stoves, the Directorate called for regularly checking them, as well as the flue gas exhaust, and providing proper ventilation throughout the burning duration.
On another note, the Directorate warned of the risks of leaving heaters on during sleep or when leaving the home, also pointing to the danger of children approaching them, which necessitates monitoring and keeping them away from heat sources.
The Directorate also emphasized the need for daily ventilation inside homes, even for short periods, to refresh the air and prevent the accumulation of carbon monoxide, which is one of the most dangerous causes of choking incidents leading to death – God forbid – especially in enclosed spaces.
The Directorate concluded its statement by calling on citizens to follow preventative guidelines and handle heating devices cautiously, to ensure their safety and the safety of their families, noting that adhering to safety instructions contributes to reducing accidents and preserving lives during the winter season.
