The Fire Service and Civil Defence has issued 13 directives to prevent fire accidents during the dry season, warning that negligence and a lack of awareness increase the risk of fires.
The directives, issued in an awareness message from Fire Service Headquarters on Monday, call for stricter fire safety measures in homes, factories, commercial establishments, hotels and restaurants.
The Fire Service said compliance with the Fire Prevention and Extinguishing Act, 2003 and other relevant laws and regulations was mandatory. It also urged building owners to adopt fire safety plans during construction and properly implement all conditions specified in those plans.
The organisation advised households to exercise particular caution while cooking, ensuring that stoves and gas connections are switched off afterwards. Gas flames should not be extinguished by blowing on them, and stove knobs must be securely closed.
Kitchen doors and windows should be opened before lighting stoves to ensure adequate ventilation, as accumulated gas can create a serious fire hazard.
Electrical connections, wiring, switches and appliances should be inspected regularly, while defective wiring and electrical overloading must be avoided.
The Fire Service also warned against careless smoking, advising people to extinguish cigarette and bidi ends completely before disposing of them in designated safe places.
Children should not be allowed to play with fire, matches or lighters, while open lamps and mosquito coils should not be used in warehouses storing flammable materials.
The directives emphasised the importance of keeping adequate fire extinguishers in homes, factories and commercial establishments. Occupants should know how to operate the equipment and participate in regular fire safety drills.
The organisation also encouraged people to seek training from the Fire Service and Civil Defence in fire prevention, firefighting, rescue operations and first aid.
Special precautions were advised when entering flats, houses or establishments that have remained closed for extended periods.
Doors and windows should be opened to allow ventilation before using the premises. If a gas smell is detected or a leak is suspected, electrical switches, matches and open flames must not be used. Occupants should instead move to a safe location and seek emergency assistance.
Hotels and restaurants were instructed to inspect gas cylinders, stoves and electrical connections regularly and strictly follow fire safety regulations.
The Fire Service also advised citizens to save the contact number of their nearest fire station to ensure prompt assistance during emergencies.
For emergency assistance, people can call the Fire Service hotline at 102 or the national emergency service at 999.
The organisation stressed that prevention was the most effective protection against fire accidents, urging people to follow safety regulations, remain vigilant and prepare for emergencies.
