Arab Weather - As temperatures drop, families tend to spend more time indoors in search of warmth. With the recurrence of severe cold waves and the multiplicity of heating sources, the challenges increase, especially in the presence of children.
Because of this, fire and gas leakage accidents are more common in winter. To protect yourself and your family and avoid home fires, experts provide a set of safety tips and guidelines and take preventive measures to avoid risks, protect your life and your children, as well as your property and homes.
How to protect your family from house fires during winter?
- Make sure you always have a handy fire extinguisher inside your home.
- Keep flammable items, such as clothing, blankets, and curtains, away from heaters.
- Do not leave heaters on while sleeping or when leaving the house.
- Do not use the heater to dry clothes, cook, or boil water.
- Make sure flammable products are out of reach of children and tightly closed.
- Place heaters away from entrances and hallways.
- Keep your house ventilated regularly.
- Unplug heaters, phone chargers, and electrical outlets from electrical sockets at night.
How do you deal with a fire if someone is exposed to it?
- Call 911 immediately.
- Immerse the burned area with cold water.
- Gently and carefully remove any tight clothing or accessories from the affected area.
- Cover the burn with a dry, sterile, non-stick bandage.
- Allow the injured person to drink enough water without feeling nauseous.
What to Avoid and What to Do to Protect Yourself and Your Family from Winter Fires
What to avoid:
- Use the heater to dry clothes, cook, or boil water.
- Leaving the heater on while sleeping or leaving the house.
- Getting close to or handling flammable products.
- Playing near fireplaces.
- Turn on electrical sources if a gas leak is suspected.
What to do:
- Make sure flammable products are away from heaters.
- Keep these products out of reach of children and tightly closed.
- Place heaters away from entrances and hallways.
- Make sure you have a handy fire extinguisher at home.
- Ventilate the house regularly.
What should I do if there is a gas leak in the house?
- Call Civil Defense at 911.
- Turn off the gas cylinder or heater valve immediately.
- Open all doors and windows.
- Make sure the house is vacated, and help children, the elderly, and the disabled.
- Avoid lighting cigarettes or any type of lighting.
- Avoid spilling water on the floor.
How to prepare your children to deal with emergencies at home during the winter?
- Always talk to your children about public safety, especially in emergencies.
- Make sure your children know how to contact Civil Defense in the event of an emergency.
- Their understanding of safety concepts can be enhanced through fun games.
- Train them how to escape in the event of a fire or other danger.
- Teach them how to deal with fires so they can protect themselves.
- Explain to them that fires spread quickly and that breathing in dangerous fumes can be a major threat.
See also:
The silent danger of incorrect use of heaters... and important recommendations to protect you
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