With the drop in temperatures and the onset of winter, the General Directorate of Civil Defense in Saudi Arabia has renewed its call for citizens and residents to adhere to the highest safety standards when using various heating appliances. This annual warning is part of ongoing awareness campaigns aimed at protecting lives and property and reducing the tragic accidents that frequently occur at this time of year.
Historical background and importance of seasonal warnings
Historically, winters in the Kingdom have witnessed numerous incidents related to the misuse of heating appliances, ranging from fires caused by electrical short circuits or the proximity of heaters to flammable materials, to fatal cases of carbon monoxide poisoning from coal, wood, and kerosene heaters. Therefore, these warnings are of paramount importance, serving as a proactive preventative measure based on past experiences and statistics, with the aim of raising public awareness of potential risks and how to avoid them.
Multiple risks require full awareness
The directorate emphasized that the risks are not limited to one type of heating appliance. Electric heaters can cause fires if electrical outlets are overloaded or if poor-quality wiring is used. Gas and kerosene heaters pose a risk of gas or fuel leaks, as well as the risk of asphyxiation when used in enclosed spaces lacking adequate ventilation. The greatest danger, however, remains the "silent killer," carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas produced by the incomplete combustion of coal or firewood, which can lead to death in sleep.
Detailed guidelines to ensure a safe winter
To ensure safety, the Civil Defense emphasized a set of vital procedures that must be followed:
- Good ventilation: It is necessary to leave a window or door partially open to ensure air renewal when using coal or kerosene heaters.
- Child supervision: Keep children away from heaters completely and do not allow them to play near them or tamper with them.
- Safe distance: Keep the heater at least one meter away from any flammable materials such as furniture, curtains, and clothing.
- Turn off the heater: Make sure to turn off all heating appliances before going to sleep or when leaving the house.
- Proper use: Never use the heater to heat food or dry clothes.
- Regular maintenance: Check and maintain the electrical connections and gas pipes of the heaters before starting to use them.
Emergency preparedness
In closing, the Civil Defense noted the importance of being prepared for emergencies, calling on everyone to memorize emergency numbers and to immediately contact the unified number (911) in the Riyadh, Makkah, Madinah, and Eastern regions, or the number (998) in the rest of the Kingdom’s regions in the event of any incident, while emphasizing the importance of installing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in homes as a first line of defense for early warning.
