Severe frosts, bringing with them snow-white landscapes and a festive mood, also conceal numerous dangers. In addition to discomfort, low temperatures can lead to serious health problems, as well as provoke man-made and domestic accidents. It is important to be aware of potential risks and take precautions to ensure that winter days are safe and beneficial.
The main appeal from rescuers is: under no circumstances should smoking be allowed in residential premises, especially when under the influence of alcohol. Do not endanger the lives and health of your loved ones and neighbours!
During frosts, many citizens intensify furnace heating, which leads to cracks in the brickwork, and the number of electric heaters connected to the network increases, consequently increasing the load on the electrical wiring. In some cases, due to natural aging, as well as prolonged operation under overload, a short circuit of the electrical wiring occurs, leading to a fire.
The Ministry of Emergency Situations once again reminds about compliance with fire safety rules when operating stove heating and electrical equipment. Timely eliminate their structural defects and malfunctions, avoid overheating of stoves. To prevent overheating, it is recommended to heat the stove two to three times a day for no more than one and a half hours. At the same time, furnace heating should be stopped at least 2 hours before bedtime.
With the onset of severe frosts, water and sewage pipes and central heating appliances often freeze in houses. Neglecting fire safety measures, many homeowners heat them with open flames or blowtorches, which often leads to fires. It is necessary to know that metal pipes, heated in one room, through heat transfer, ignite combustible materials in an adjacent room that come into contact with them. It is recommended to use hot water or heated sand to thaw such pipes.
During the winter period, special attention should be paid to the condition of heating boilers and water circulation within them. Freezing of heating system pipes must not be allowed, as this can lead to a pressure increase in the system to the point of explosion. An explosion can also occur if there is no water in the system or if air pockets form in certain sections. Regular inspection of chimneys is recommended to prevent them from freezing over and becoming blocked. In case of heating system freezing, it is necessary to identify the freezing point, thaw it, and only then gradually ignite the boiler, constantly monitoring the pressure within it.
Hypothermia and frostbite pose a serious danger to people during cold weather. Children and the elderly are particularly susceptible to them. Therefore, time spent outdoors should be limited, especially when the wind intensifies. Wear warm, loose-fitting clothing and footwear, and avoid bare skin contact with metal in the cold.
Whenever possible, motorists should refrain from travelling in personal vehicles, especially over long distances. This primarily concerns diesel engine vehicles. Experience shows that many of them freeze up while driving or stop on the roadway, obstructing normal traffic flow. If you find yourself in such a situation far from a populated area or in an unfamiliar location, it is best to stay in the car and call for assistance by phone or wait for another vehicle to pass.
Remember that frost is not only a beautiful sight but also a serious challenge for the human body and infrastructure. Adhering to simple safety rules will help you and your loved ones safely endure the winter cold. In the event of an emergency, report it immediately by calling 101 or 112.