Emergency Situations Specialist Explained How to Avoid Fires and Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
In the current year, 8 fires related to heating and 1 fire in a market due to improper use of electrical appliances have been registered in the Naryn region.
Recommendations from the Ministry of Emergency Situations on Fire Safety Regulations
The Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Kyrgyz Republic for the Naryn region reminds of the necessity to adhere to fire safety regulations during the winter heating period, as well as precautionary measures against carbon monoxide poisoning. In light of the recent increase in fires in residential buildings across the republic, citizens are urged to follow the following fire safety rules.
Main Causes of Fires in Private Homes
According to him, fires most often occur in private residential homes. One of the main causes of fires is the careless and negligent attitude of people towards fire, improper installation of heating stoves and chimneys, untimely cleaning of chimneys, as well as discarded cigarette butts and matches. All of this leads to irreparable tragedies: homes and property are destroyed, and in some cases, people lose their lives.
Fire Safety: The Importance of Checking Heating Systems and Electrical Appliances
A fire caused by a match or a cigarette butt can lead to significant consequences, causing damage not only to residential homes but also to nature and the environment. Therefore, to prevent such incidents, it is essential to timely check stoves and chimneys, have electrical wiring and equipment examined by specialists, not leave children unattended, not give them matches, and not throw burning matches and cigarette butts anywhere — they must be completely extinguished.
The Danger of Homemade Heaters and Worn Electrical Wiring
Another common cause of fires is the use of homemade electric heaters, worn electrical wiring, as well as instances where people forget to unplug irons and heaters from the outlet. Therefore, when leaving home, it is necessary to check all electrical appliances, not leave children unattended, and follow basic fire safety rules. This will help avoid tragedies.
How to Properly Prepare Coal Stoves and Chimneys for Winter
When using coal stoves, it is necessary to prepare them in advance for the winter heating season, clean the chimneys, properly ignite the fire in the stove, and ensure adequate air supply. In the past, chimneys in old houses were routed through brickwork inside the house, but now they are often routed outside from metal. This is also dangerous. At night, especially during a sudden drop in temperature, cold air from outside can blow inside, allowing carbon monoxide to enter the room. This is one of the most dangerous moments. To avoid such cases, it is important to use electrical appliances correctly and to heat the stove properly.
What to Do in Case of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
If there is a smell of carbon monoxide in the room, it is necessary to immediately open the windows and ventilate the room. If a person feels symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, they must immediately go outside for fresh air and call for emergency help. If the victim loses consciousness, they should not be laid face down — they must be placed on their side to ensure they can breathe. In a face-down position, a person can suffocate.
Preventing Fires in Institutions and Public Places
Residents of the region are reminded of the need to take all fire safety measures, especially in institutions, enterprises, schools, hospitals, and other places where increased caution is required during the winter period. As the saying goes, “God protects the careful” — one cannot be indifferent; all measures against fires must be taken. For this, it is important to stay in close contact with us and carry out educational work among those around.
What to Do in Case of Fire: Emergency Actions and Calling Services
If a fire does occur, it is necessary to immediately call the fire service at 101 or 112, evacuate people from the burning building in advance, and begin extinguishing the fire with available means. Adhering to the fire safety rules outlined in this article will help protect your home and property from fire.