Prevention

Danger factors during strong winds:
damage (breakage) of communication and power lines
disruption of power supply, shutdown of electrical substations, electricity in settlements
outbreak of forest fires, as well as fires in residential and industrial buildings
risk of damage (collapse) of weakly secured structures, building roofs, structures, falling trees.

During strong winds, it is recommended:
- stay at home, avoid shaky structures and houses with unstable roofs on the street
- avoid trees and various high-risk structures (bridges, overpasses, pipelines, power lines, billboards, etc.)
- remove household items from the yard and balconies into the house, and the car into the garage
- park vehicles away from trees and weakly secured structures

To prevent injury and death of children on the roads, we remind you:
Strictly forbid children from riding bicycles on suburban highways and high-speed roads.
Do not let children go outside alone, strictly control their leisure time and regularly repeat traffic rules.
Do not leave minors alone near the roadway, at public transport stops, and in courtyards with active car traffic.
Children's safety begins with adult supervision and personal example.

On safety rules near water bodies

In the hot summer period, many spend time near water bodies.
When going to relax by the water, remember the safety rules and tell your children about them:
Adults, do not ignore any instance of minors being alone near water, their pranks and games in the water.
Remember that swimming should only occur in designated areas, and preferably where lifeguards are on duty.
Restrict access for young children to water on household and dacha plots, as leaving toddlers unattended near wells, backyard pools, and other artificial water bodies, even for a minute, can lead to tragedy.
Beware, two-wheelers! Traffic Police reminded the rules for bicycles and scooters
Since September last year, new traffic rules have been in effect in Belarus, including for scooter riders. One of the main requirements is to dismount when crossing the roadway at a pedestrian crossing. The bicycle or scooter must be pushed alongside.
Exceptions are provided only in three cases: if a special bicycle traffic light is installed at the intersection.
It is worth noting that children under 14 years of age without adult supervision must dismount at crossings in any case.
The Traffic Police also reminded about speed limits for personal mobility devices and bicycles. On sidewalks, movement is allowed at a speed not exceeding 10 km/h, and on bike paths - up to 25 km/h. Movement of personal mobility devices is prohibited in pedestrian zones.

The route to school is a territory of increased attention!
Under this slogan, from March 17 to 18, an event is being held in the Vitebsk region aimed at preventing road accidents involving minors on their way to and from educational institutions.
Since the beginning of the current year, 1 road traffic accident has been registered in the Vitebsk region, in which a child pedestrian sustained bodily injuries.
Children often cross the roadway outside of pedestrian crossings, move on a red traffic light, thereby putting themselves in danger.
As part of the event, traffic police officers, together with educators, will monitor children's compliance with traffic rules on the "Home - School - Home" route sections, and will also once again remind them of the importance of complying with traffic rules.
Dear parents! Talk to your children about how to cross the road correctly, pay attention to the mistakes schoolchildren make. The life and health of children depend only on adults!

Recommendations for the population in case of threat and occurrence of flooding:
Residents of areas prone to flooding are advised to move valuable property to upper floors or attics in advance.
It is necessary to form an emergency kit, including documents, medications, a supply of water and food.
Upon receiving an evacuation signal, leave the danger zone immediately along approved routes. If exit is impossible, occupy a high place and signal rescuers.
Before leaving your home, turn off electricity, gas, and water supply. First of all, ensure the safety of children, the elderly, and people with disabilities.
Owners of private households need to clear their plots of snow and debris to ensure the drainage of meltwater. It is important to check the permeability of drainage ditches and eliminate any obstacles to water flow.
It is strictly forbidden to go out on the ice and move along flooded road sections.
In case of an emergency, call immediately at numbers 101 or 112.

Caution: spring ice! Take care of yourself and your children
In spring, ice becomes fragile: the sun and warm currents destroy it from the inside and outside. Even seemingly strong ice can suddenly crack - do not risk it!
During floods and ice drift, it is FORBIDDEN to:
Go out on the ice and try to cross a body of water; Approach ice floe accumulations and steep banks; Step on floating ice floes.
Children are in particular danger! Do not leave them unattended near water. Explain: spring ice is not a place for games.
Emergency? Call 101 or 112! If a person has fallen through (and it is safe for you):
Crawl on your stomach, distributing your weight; Offer a pole, board, belt, or scarf; Pull them out without stepping on the unstable ice.
Spring is beautiful, but nature is unpredictable. Take care of yourself, your loved ones, and remind others about safety rules!
Tubing in unintended places has once again led to sad consequences
In Soligorsk, on February 7, a 9-year-old boy was injured when he and his brother went down on a tube designed for one person. The tube jumped over a pit, changed trajectory, and the child hit a tree. A similar incident occurred in the Zhlobin district on February 8: a father was riding with his daughters, and during the descent, the tube was carried towards the trees. As a result of the collision, a 6-year-old girl was injured.
Winter fun can be dangerous if safety rules are ignored. Both situations have one thing in common – the choice of an unsuitable slope and the lack of protective equipment.

Now the roofs of houses are becoming a zone of increased danger. Temperature fluctuations and heavy precipitation lead to the formation of ice and icicles, as well as to sudden snow avalanches. This is a real threat to pedestrians and cars.
What is important to know and remember:
Do not walk close to buildings. Try to stay away from the walls of houses, especially if snow or icicles are visible on the roof.
Pay attention to warning signs and fences. They are not for formality, but to protect you from injuries.
Do not walk under fenced areas, even if it seems there is no danger.
Do not stand under balconies, cornices, and drainpipes.
Parents should pay special attention to children. Explain to them why they should not play near houses and knock down icicles.
Drivers are advised not to park cars close to buildings.
Take care of yourselves and be attentive.

In Polotsk, a 12-year-old boy was tubing and sustained serious injuries.
According to preliminary data, on February 1, the schoolboy was on a hill with his father. The first descent on an inner tube went smoothly, but the second time the inner tube spun, and the boy crashed into a tree. His father was nearby but could not prevent the impact.
The child is currently in intensive care in serious condition and is receiving all necessary medical assistance.
It was established that the slope on which the young Polotsk resident was riding was not intended for such entertainment.
Investigators remind you of safety rules for tubing:
- Descend the hill on an inner tube only on specially prepared slopes, where there are no trees, poles, or bodies of water in the path. - Children and adults must use helmets and elbow pads to prevent serious injuries. - Parents must remember not to let children go tubing alone in dangerous conditions.
The safety of children depends on adult supervision!!!
Winter hills without injuries: why tubing is the most dangerous choice for riding
At the beginning of the year in Minsk, a 13-year-old teenager suffered a serious kidney injury after descending on connected "inner tubes." And since the beginning of the season, over 200 people have already sought medical attention due to unsuccessful descents.
Doctors note: the most dangerous devices for sledding are inner tubes. They have no steering wheel or brakes, and they easily reach high speeds. They start to spin on ice, and it's easy to fall out on bumps.
Sometimes, spinal injuries can occur even without collisions or rollovers: a sharp jerk of the body forward at high speed is enough. The most insidious part: in most cases, parents don't even suspect a fracture in their children.
Traditional sleds are considered the safest: they can be steered and braked with feet. Snow scooters with a steering wheel and brakes are a good option for schoolchildren. Snow saucers are only suitable for gentle snowy hills and single descents.
Tips on how to stay safe on the road in bad weather.
Tips for drivers:
• Refrain from traveling in personal vehicles, especially diesel ones.
• If you must travel, thoroughly check your car before departing (fluids, battery, tire pressure, heating).
• Take with you: warm clothing, a thermos, a blanket, a power bank, a tow rope, a shovel, jumper cables.
• Keep the fuel tank more than half full.
• Avoid sudden maneuvers, reduce speed in advance at crossings, stops, and pedestrian crossings.
Tips for pedestrians:
• Dress warmly, do not smoke or consume alcohol in the cold.
• At bus stops, stand away from the edge of the road.
• When crossing the road, make sure all cars have stopped.
• When your hands and feet are cold, wiggle your fingers.
If you get into trouble on the road, call 102 or write to the Ministry of Internal Affairs chatbot "We are always there!":https://t.me/WeNear_MVD_bot

What are the dangers of low temperatures, and how to recognize cold injury?
When thermoregulation fails, heart and respiratory function are impaired. Without timely first aid, burn-like blisters may form on the affected areas, and there is a risk of necrosis.
Symptoms of frostbite include tingling, burning, and itching in the areas affected by cold, loss of sensation, the appearance of white or bluish patches on the skin, swelling and edema, and the formation of small bumps.

How to stay safe in icy conditions?
What is important for drivers to remember?
-Your vehicle must be equipped with winter tires with sufficient tread.
-The slower you drive, the more time you will have to react.
-Increase the distance to the vehicle in front.
-Avoid sudden maneuvers and braking.
-Brake in advance to avoid sudden deceleration.
What is important for pedestrians to remember?
-Wear shoes with non-slip soles.
-Constantly check the surface in front of you.
-Cross the road strictly in designated areas, avoid sections with snowdrifts.
-Approach the edge of the roadway with caution. Make sure cars have stopped before crossing the road.
-Don't rush – give drivers time to react.
In icy conditions, always be cautious! Take care of yourself!

Working in frost: what should an employer take care of?
The Ministry of Labor reminds of the rules for organizing work in the open air during the cold period.
Employer's responsibilities:
- Free equipment: The employee must be provided with warm work clothes, footwear, and mittens at the employer's expense.
- Heated premises: There must be a warm place for heating with a temperature of at least +22°C.
- "Warm" breaks: When the temperature is below –10°C, additional paid breaks for heating are introduced. They are included in working hours.
- Labor protection in severe frost: At temperatures of –25°C and below, the workday must be organized in a way that eliminates health risks.
Important! The specific schedule, duration, and number of breaks must be fixed in the internal regulations or collective agreement.
Know your rights and take care of your health!

In icy conditions, the traffic police recommend:

choose an optimal speed, braking should be limited and performed in gear;

avoid sudden maneuvers, change direction gradually to avoid skidding, which is difficult to recover from in icy conditions;

take turns at a constant speed, for which it is necessary to reduce it to a minimum;

accelerate gently, especially in rear-wheel-drive cars;

be extremely attentive when driving through windy sections of highways, bridges, overpasses, and flyovers, sections of roads passing near reservoirs and rivers, as well as curves, descents, and ascents;

special attention should be paid to approaches to pedestrian crossings, traffic lights, and public transport stops: ice forms there due to frequent braking of cars.

Pedestrians need to pay attention to possible ice on sidewalks, approach the edge of the roadway carefully, and exercise maximum caution when crossing the roadway.

After heavy snowfall, there is a risk of spontaneous snow mass avalanches from building roofs.
- avoid being in close proximity to the edges of buildings;
- do not park cars under cornices and roof overhangs;
- pay attention to warning signs and fences - they are installed in potentially dangerous areas and require mandatory compliance.
Balance holders and operating organizations are obliged to promptly clean roofs, install fences, and inform the public about the work being carried out.
However, the personal vigilance of each citizen remains a key factor in preventing accidents.
In Vitebsk, a man sustained serious injuries while launching pyrotechnics.

A man (born 2002) was hospitalized with facial injuries from a pyrotechnic explosion. The incident occurred the previous evening on Repina Street - during the launch of a firework, part of the projectile hit the man's face. The victim was hospitalized with injuries of varying severity.
Rescuers remind that since January 2025, a ban on the sale of pyrotechnics has been introduced in Belarus, and this applies to both retail and wholesale trade of pyrotechnics. The ban applies to all products of hazard classes II, III, IV, and V – fireworks, Roman candles, rockets, firecrackers, and other pyrotechnics.
Weather conditions have opened the season for sledding and tubing.

Tubing and "vatrushki" (inflatable sleds) are one of the most popular winter activities. But sometimes it happens that children ride not in designated areas, but near the roadway. In such cases, they can accidentally drive onto the road and become participants in an accident.
Adhering to the following rules will help ensure your safety:

Always check the characteristics of the tubing, the maximum permissible weight;

Make sure there are no other riders in your path.

Always ride sitting down. Riding lying on your stomach or on your knees is dangerous.

Always check the condition of the tubing.

There should be no debris, ice, or other foreign objects between the inner tube and the cover.

The inner tube should be well inflated and not deformed.

When choosing a hill for riding, make sure it is far from the roadway and trees.

LEPEL RESIDENTS, BE CAREFUL!
Belarus to Impose Fines for Holding Children in Arms During Car Travel

As of June 19, amendments to the Code of Administrative Offences and the Code of Procedural-Executive Offences of Belarus have come into effect. One of the new provisions concerns liability for violating child passenger safety regulations.

Transporting a child in one's arms is now considered a violation of passenger transport rules and is subject to a fine of up to 1 base unit.

These changes are aimed at reducing child traffic injuries. A tragic road accident on a repaired section of the M6 highway, where a one-year-old girl died during a head-on collision while being held by her mother instead of being secured in a child restraint system, was cited as an example.

What to Do If You Receive a Counterfeit Banknote? A Guide from Law Enforcement

Unfortunately, many citizens do not verify the authenticity of banknotes upon receipt, relying on chance. However, criminals actively exploit this oversight.
How to identify a counterfeit? Key signs of fake banknotes include:
Absence of a watermark or its crude imitation (lacking smooth tonal transitions).
Images appear unclear, "blurry," and colours are paler than on a genuine banknote.
Lack of tactile relief (on genuine currency, certain elements are easily felt by touch).
Absence of a hidden image (e.g., a moiré effect) visible only at a specific angle.
The paper feels softer, thinner, or conversely, rougher than that of a genuine banknote.

The manufacturing, storage for the purpose of sale, or actual sale of counterfeit money in Belarus carries serious liability under Article 221 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Belarus.
YOU CAN ADMIRE THEM, BUT... DON'T TOUCH!!!

Belarus has introduced fines for breaking lilac branches within city limits.

This is considered damage to green spaces, and such violations carry administrative fines:
for individuals – up to 30 base units;
for individual entrepreneurs – from 10 to 200 base units;
for legal entities – from 20 to 300 base units.
Important: these restrictions do not apply to private property.

Fine up to 30 base units: for which spring flowers in the Vitebsk region can you be fined and why are they forbidden to be picked?
The tradition of collecting bouquets of spring flowers causes irreparable harm to nature. Uprooted plants quickly wilt, and their populations decline. Many spring flowers of the Vitebsk region are listed in the Red Book of Belarus, including Pulsatilla patens, Corydalis cava, Corydalis intermedia, Pulmonaria obscura, Gagea spathacea, and Allium ursinum (ramsons). Hepatica nobilis and Primula veris require preventive protection.
The unauthorized removal or destruction of wild plants listed in the Red Book of Belarus, and their parts, entails a fine of 20 to 30 base units. In addition, compensation for environmental damage is foreseen.
Environmentalists recommend that residents of the Vitebsk region refrain from picking and buying spring flowers.

So, is it possible to "distill moonshine" for yourself? The answer was obtained from the district police inspector of the Lepel District Department of Internal Affairs
— Sometimes a dispute arises among citizens about whether it is permissible to produce moonshine for personal needs. We received a competent answer from the district police inspector of the Lepel District Department of Internal Affairs, Maxim Shabunevich.
— The rise in prices for alcoholic products contributes to the fact that some citizens with low incomes and leading an antisocial lifestyle increasingly resort to producing their own strong drinks. At the same time, a part of the population mistakenly believes that producing moonshine for personal needs or in small quantities does not violate the law.
The production and sale of moonshine in Belarus are strictly prohibited. The law clearly states: it is forbidden to produce beverages with an alcohol content higher than seven degrees, to store and transport them in significant quantities, and also to sell them. The ban applies not only to finished products but also to raw materials, as well as equipment for their production.
According to Article 13.27 of the Code of Administrative Offences, for the illegal production of moonshine or mash, as well as the storage of moonshine stills, a fine of up to 30 base units with confiscation of products is provided. And for the illegal sale of alcohol-containing liquids, including ethyl alcohol, or storage of more than five liters of such products (Article 13.21 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the Republic of Belarus), a fine of up to 100 base units with mandatory confiscation is threatened.
By the way, information received by the ROVD hotline helps combat moonshiners. If you have information about citizens engaged in moonshining or the illegal sale of alcoholic, spirit-containing products at home, please report it by calling: 102 or the operational duty service of the Lepel ROVD. Anonymity is guaranteed.
We remind you that every Wednesday at public law and order points, district police inspectors of the ROVD conduct weekly reception of citizens. All interested parties can contact law enforcement officers on issues within the competence of internal affairs bodies. Every Wednesday from 10:00 to 13:00 – in rural settlements; from 17:00 to 20:00 – in the city.

How to feed birds and avoid a fine: an important reminder for residents
The current legislation in the republic does not directly prohibit feeding cats, pigeons, or other birds in public areas. However, it must be done carefully so that your actions do not lead to pollution of the yard territory or unsanitary conditions.
If you feed pigeons from a window or balcony by simply throwing food onto the ground, the adjacent territory will be contaminated with its remnants, which can be considered a violation of the rules of maintenance and improvement. Residents are also strongly advised to refrain from feeding pigeons in crowded places – in courtyards, parks, near public buildings, and next to playgrounds.
It is a different matter if you fix a bird feeder on your balcony or window in such a way that the feed does not fall to the ground, and you regularly clean it of remnants; then no fine is threatened.

️Belarusians may be fined for AI content
Law enforcement officers remind: creating video or other content using neural networks does not exempt the real author of the publication from responsibility.
For the dissemination of unreliable information, administrative liability in the form of a fine is provided.
If the actions have led to grave consequences and violated public order, criminal liability is also possible.

Chatbot of the Ministry of Internal Affairs "We are always nearby"
In December, the innovation successfully passed trial operation in all regions and the capital. For a month now, the tool, created to maximally simplify interaction between citizens and the police, has been functioning throughout the republic. It has already received over two thousand messages.
The chatbot provides a convenient, simple, and effective way to anonymously report incidents and offenses around the clock, attaching photos, videos, and voice messages with geolocation data of the event.
This will allow applicants to save time, and police officers to receive significant information for rapid response and assistance.
If you find yourself in a difficult situation on the road, wish to report a committed or impending offense or crime, please report it by calling 102 or to the Ministry of Internal Affairs chatbot "We are always near!": https://t.me/lepel_region_officially/40525
Alcohol Abuse: What the District Police Officer Reminded About
Do not forget about the measures of responsibility for your actions, remember the consequences.
Traffic Police Fined Five Individuals in Rechitsa for Improper Snow Removal.

The men were clearing snow from their private homes and yards, throwing it onto the roadway.

The traffic police deemed this an unsafe practice and reminded citizens of Article 22.10 of the Code of the Republic of Belarus on Administrative Offences – Violation of the rules for the improvement and maintenance of settlements (obstruction of streets, squares, yards, other public lands with construction materials and other items) – which entails a fine of up to five basic units; for an individual entrepreneur – from five to ten basic units; for a legal entity – from ten to twenty basic units!

We remind you that from 2025, motorists will be obliged to clear parking spaces of snow within a meter radius around their vehicles.

A fine of 6.2 basic units is stipulated for the illegal felling of one tree.
Going into the forest for a Christmas tree with an axe is strictly punishable by law.
To ensure the holiday does not turn into a hefty fine, it is important to remember that the forest fund is under strict protection.

The total cost of one tree illegally harvested by an individual offender will be 6.2 basic units, or 260 rubles at today's rate.

It is cheaper to legally purchase a New Year tree from designated sales points.
Living with an alcoholic requires shifting focus from "saving" the dependent person to protecting one's own mental health and life. The main principles are: rejecting codependency (not solving their problems), setting firm boundaries, ensuring safety, and self-care. Alcoholism is a disease, and the responsibility lies with the person consuming alcohol.
Key rules of conduct:

Stop being a "rescuer": Do not cover up absences from work, do not pay their debts, do not make excuses for them to relatives. The alcoholic must face the consequences of their behaviour to want to change.

Set boundaries: Do not start arguments with a drunk person – it is futile and provokes aggression. Speak only when they are sober, calmly and with reasoned arguments.

Do not facilitate drinking sessions: Do not give money for alcohol, do not pour drinks to help them sober up.

Ensure safety: Do not provoke a drunk person into a fight. If your life is threatened, leave or call the police.

Take care of yourself: Focus on your own life, find a hobby, seek psychological help to break free from codependency.

Do not keep alcohol at home: Even if they promise "not to drink," alcohol should not be readily available.

What not to do:

Threatening divorce/leaving and not following through devalues your words.

Drinking together with him.

Feeling sorry for the alcoholic.

Remember: you cannot force a person to stop drinking if they do not want to themselves. Your goal is to preserve yourself.
Codependency is a common phenomenon in a family where one of the household members regularly consumes alcoholic beverages. Its signs may include:

The codependent person tries to hide the current state of affairs from friends, employers, and other relatives, and also constantly covers for the alcoholic;

Such a person forgets about their own desires and aspirations, just so that the household member is well;

The codependent person cannot forget about the situation and completely detach from it;

Very often, the codependent person feels needed in society only when they try to help the heavy drinker. That is why, even at a subconscious level, the codependent person will try to hinder the recovery of their household member.

Spouses of alcoholics, their parents, or adult children often become codependent. Therefore, psychological support should be provided to them as well, not just to the one who is struggling with the harmful habit.
To avoid becoming a victim of codependent relationships, try to follow these recommendations from psychologists:

Do not blame yourself for your loved one's alcohol addiction.

Do not take the heavy drinker at their word and do not expect everything to change with the wave of a magic wand.

Do not try to control the alcohol-dependent person and the entire situation with all your might.

Do not try to treat the alcohol consumer with your own methods and by force.

Do not hide your household member's harmful habit.

Do not tolerate abusive behaviour and drinking bouts.

Do not delay seeking qualified help.

Advice for those living with a heavy drinker
If you have an alcohol-dependent person, you need to behave correctly and change your behaviour so that your loved one has the motivation to seek treatment. After all, if nothing changes, the alcohol-dependent person will think that everything should be as it is.
For example, you should not pity your household member, but withdraw financial support. Otherwise, they will continue to fall into drinking bouts and are unlikely to ever recover.
It is also important that the person consuming alcohol wants to undergo treatment themselves and understands the consequences if they refuse. If it is your husband, you can state that you will divorce him if he does not seek treatment and follow all the narcologist's recommendations. If it is an adult child or parent, then promise to permanently withdraw financial support, evict them from the apartment, disinherit them, etc.
Of course, it is important to keep your word if a household member breaks their promises not to drink anymore or to voluntarily undergo treatment. Otherwise, all efforts will be in vain.
How to Help a Person Who Drinks Alcohol
To help a person who drinks alcohol, it is important to pay attention to the following rules:

Do not use force or insults when talking to a person who drinks alcohol.

Openly express your position and desire to help.

Offer the patient not one, but several narcological clinics where they can receive assistance with withdrawal from binge drinking and addiction treatment.

Tell the alcohol enthusiast about the plans you previously made before they started drinking. Suggest overcoming the harmful habit and achieving common goals together.

Before offering help to someone who drinks, first get rid of your own codependency, if any. This can only be harmful.
To make the person feel your support, you can go to a consultation with a narcologist together or call a doctor to your home. A qualified specialist will properly converse with the dependent, carry out comprehensive detoxification of the body, and try to persuade the alcoholic to undergo inpatient treatment.
It is also important to remember the motivational component of treatment. If the drinker does not decide to be treated and free themselves from their addiction, no one can help them. A competent psychologist and psychotherapist at a narcological clinic can help foster this and develop motivation in the drinker.
And so that after treatment the patient feels needed and does not fall into depression, proper rehabilitation will help the patient. During the rehabilitation program, people understand how good life is without alcohol and learn to overcome their craving for alcohol through the support of loved ones and motivation.

The State Automobile Inspectorate reminds about the inadmissibility of driving vehicles while intoxicated
Driving a vehicle while intoxicated is a potentially dangerous and gross violation of traffic regulations.
The Rules of the Road strictly and unequivocally prohibit all drivers from operating vehicles while in a state of alcohol intoxication, or in a state caused by the use of narcotic drugs, psychotropic, toxic, and other intoxicating substances.
For committing this violation again within a year after the imposition of an administrative penalty, criminal liability is provided.
If you see a drunk driver getting behind the wheel, do not remain indifferent and report it by calling "102".
What to do if children buy alcohol before your eyes?

The seller does not ask for documents, a child asks an adult to buy alcoholic beverages...

How to react to these and other situations is explained in the infographic
Vapes: A Terrible Threat of the 21st Century
Even short-term use of vapes leads to serious consequences:
Chronic cough, shortness of breath, inflammation. "Popcorn lung" from flavourings. Blood pressure and pulse increase within 5 minutes. Anxiety, depression, sleep problems. DNA damage and a long-term risk of cancer.
Protect your health from a young age.
What are the penalties for selling vapes to minors?
Minors and smoking: what consequences await sellers for violating the law?
What are the penalties for the illegal sale of nicotine products to those who are underage? Find out in the cards.
Can one be held liable for smoking in an apartment building entrance?
Smoking is one of the most significant causes of death and disease. It is not just a bad habit, but a complex addiction that has a destructive effect on almost all body systems. As is known, there is such a concept as "passive smoking". This is when the smoke from a smoker's cigarette is inhaled not only by the smoker but also by people nearby. And not everyone likes it.
- There is a list of places where smoking of tobacco products and the use of electronic smoking systems are prohibited, - states Violetta Mychkina, Senior Inspector for Prevention of Public Order Protection of the Public Security Police of the Internal Affairs Department of the Pervomaisky District Administration of Vitebsk, Police Major. – All of them are described in Decree of the President of the Republic of Belarus No. 2, which anyone can familiarise themselves with on the PRAVO.BY website.
Where is smoking prohibited?
- in children's playgrounds; -
in elevators and auxiliary rooms of apartment buildings, dormitories;
- at workplaces organised in premises;
- in territories and premises occupied by sports and recreation and other camps;
- in other places determined by the legislative acts of the Republic of Belarus.
As for retail outlets and public service facilities, shopping centres and markets, premises and territories of railway stations, smoking is permitted in specially designated areas.
- According to Article 19.9 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the Republic of Belarus, a fine of up to 4 base amounts is provided for smoking in places where it is prohibited in accordance with legislative acts, - notes the police officer. So, if a smoker wants to "smoke", for example, in a stairwell or an elevator, and is caught by neighbours who are tired of it, they may be brought to administrative responsibility.
We remind you that weekly, on Wednesdays, in all public law enforcement points of the Vitebsk region police, district police inspectors receive citizens:
from 10:00 to 13:00 - in rural settlements;
from 17:00 to 20:00 - in cities.

Vapes provoke panic attacks and increase anxiety — doctors warn
According to them, regular vaping leads to permanent stress, which is difficult to escape.
Each puff increases heart rate, causes shortness of breath and dizziness. The body perceives this as a threat and enters a state of constant anxiety, while the chemical composition of the fluids only exacerbates the process.

Vapes are 3000 times dirtier than a toilet seat: up to 150,000 bacteria on the mouthpiece
The humid environment inside the device is an ideal incubator for microbes. With each puff, a person inhales not only chemicals but also entire colonies of bacteria, which provoke respiratory infections, stomatitis, and even pneumonia.
What to do if you find a suspicious item?

"STOP EXTREMISM"!
Now you can easily check any resource for inclusion in the list of extremist resources in the Republic of Belarus.
Simply send the bot a link to the website or Telegram channel you are interested in, and it will instantly conduct a check, notifying you of its status.
Know the status of the resources you are about to visit!
Try now: https://t.me/stop_extremism_bot
This video clearly shows how Western special services can involve your children in illegal activities, including by offering financial rewards.
We recommend watching!

Extremism (extremist activity) is the activity of citizens of the Republic of Belarus, foreign citizens or stateless persons, or political parties, trade unions, other public associations, religious and other organizations, including foreign or international organizations or their representative offices, formations and individual entrepreneurs, in planning, organizing, preparing and committing encroachments on the independence, territorial integrity, sovereignty, foundations of the constitutional system, public safety by:
violent change of the constitutional system and (or) territorial integrity of the Republic of Belarus;
seizure or retention of state power by unconstitutional means;
creation of an extremist formation or participation in an extremist formation;
assisting in the implementation of extremist activities, undergoing training or other preparation for participation in such activities;
dissemination for these purposes of knowingly false information about the political, economic, social, military or international situation of the Republic of Belarus, the legal status of citizens in the Republic of Belarus, discrediting the Republic of Belarus;
insult for these purposes of a government official in connection with the performance of his official duties, discrediting government bodies and administrations;
creation of an illegal armed formation for these purposes;
carrying out terrorist activities;
incitement of racial, national, religious or other social hatred or discord, political or ideological hatred, hatred or discord towards any social group, including the commission for these purposes of illegal acts against public order and public morality, the order of administration, life and health, personal freedom, honor and dignity of the individual, property;
organization and implementation of mass riots, acts of vandalism associated with damage or destruction of property, seizure of buildings and structures, other actions that grossly violate public order, or active participation in them on grounds of racial, national, religious or other social hatred or discord, political or ideological hatred, hatred or discord towards any social group;
commission for these purposes of illegal actions in relation to weapons, ammunition, explosives;
propaganda of exclusivity, superiority or inferiority of citizens based on their social, racial, national, religious or linguistic affiliation;
dissemination of extremist materials, as well as the manufacture, publication, storage and transportation of such materials for the purpose of dissemination;
rehabilitation of Nazism, propaganda or public demonstration, manufacture, dissemination of Nazi symbols and attributes, as well as storage or acquisition of such symbols or attributes for the purpose of dissemination;
obstruction of the lawful activities of state bodies, including the Central Election Commission, election commissions, referendum commissions, commissions for conducting a recall vote of a deputy, as well as the lawful activities of officials of these bodies, commissions, committed with the use of violence, threat of its use, deception, bribery, as well as the use of violence or threat of violence against relatives of the said officials in order to obstruct their lawful activities or to force a change in the nature of such activities or out of revenge for the performance of their official duties;
financing of extremist activities;
public calls for the organization or conduct for these purposes of illegal assemblies, rallies, street processions, demonstrations or picketing in violation of the established procedure for their organization or conduct, or involving persons in participation in such mass events through violence, threat of violence, deception or payment of remuneration, or other organization or conduct of such mass events, if their conduct resulted in the death of people, infliction of grievous bodily harm to one or more persons, or damage in a large amount due to negligence;
public calls for actions specified in the second to seventeenth paragraphs of this part, as well as public justification of such actions.
According to Art. 19 of the Law of the Republic of Belarus "On Counteracting Extremism", the dissemination, public demonstration of extremist materials, their manufacture, publication, storage and transportation for the purpose of dissemination are prohibited, and citizens bear responsibility for carrying out extremist activities in accordance with legislative acts. Undoubtedly, the discussion should be about administrative or criminal liability. Speaking aboutadministrative liabilitymust be based on the following articles of the Code of Administrative Offenses.Article 19.10. Propaganda or public demonstration, production, distribution of Nazi symbols or attributes1. Propaganda or public demonstration, including using the global computer network Internet or other information network, production, distribution of Nazi symbols or attributes, as well as storage or acquisition of such symbols or attributes for the purpose of distribution –
entails a fine of up to ten basic units with confiscation of the subject of the administrative offense, as well as tools and means of committing the specified violation or without confiscation of such tools and means, or community service with confiscation of the subject of the administrative offense, as well as tools and means of committing the specified violation or without confiscation of such tools and means, or administrative arrest with confiscation of the subject of the administrative offense, as well as tools and means of committing the specified violation or without confiscation of such tools and means, for an individual entrepreneur – a fine of up to fifty basic units with confiscation of the subject of the administrative offense, as well as tools and means of committing the specified violation or without confiscation of such tools and means, and for a legal entity – up to two hundred basic units with confiscation of the subject of the administrative offense, as well as tools and means of committing the specified violation or without confiscation of such tools and means. 2. The same acts, committed repeatedly within one year after the imposition of an administrative penalty for the same violations – entail a fine of from ten to twenty basic units with confiscation of the subject of the administrative offense, as well as tools and means of committing the specified violation or without confiscation of such tools and means, or community service with confiscation of the subject of the administrative offense, as well as tools and means of committing the specified violation or without confiscation of such tools and means, or administrative arrest with confiscation of the subject of the administrative offense, as well as tools and means of committing the specified violation or without confiscation of such tools and means, for an individual entrepreneur – a fine of from twenty to fifty basic units with confiscation of the subject of the administrative offense, as well as tools and means of committing the specified violation or without confiscation of such tools and means, and for a legal entity – from fifty to two hundred basic units with confiscation of the subject of the administrative offense, as well as tools and means of committing the specified violation or without confiscation of such tools and means. Note. Public demonstration, production, distribution of Nazi symbols or attributes, as well as storage or acquisition of such symbols or attributes for the purpose of distribution by an individual, individual entrepreneur or legal entity in the course of activities in the field of theatrical, musical, circus and visual arts, library science, cinematography, museum activities, organization and holding of cultural and entertainment, entertainment and other cultural events, publishing, educational activities, scientific activities, collection of cultural values, mass media, in the absence of signs of propaganda of Nazi symbols or attributes, are not administrative offenses.Article 19.11. Distribution, production, storage, transportation of information products containing calls for extremist activity or promoting such activity1. Distribution of information products containing calls for extremist activity or promoting such activity, as well as production, storage or transportation for the purpose of distribution of such information products –
entails a fine of up to twenty basic units with confiscation of the subject of the administrative offense, for an individual entrepreneur – from twenty to fifty basic units with confiscation of the subject of the administrative offense, and for a legal entity – from fifty to two hundred basic units with confiscation of the subject of the administrative offense. 2. Distribution of information products included in the republican list of extremist materials, as well as production, publication, storage or transportation for the purpose of distribution of such information products –
entails a fine of from ten to thirty basic units with confiscation of the subject of the administrative offense, as well as tools and means of committing the specified violation or without confiscation of such tools and means, or community service with confiscation of the subject of the administrative offense, as well as tools and means of committing the specified violation or without confiscation of such tools and means, or administrative arrest with confiscation of the subject of the administrative offense, as well as tools and means of committing the specified violation or without confiscation of such tools and means, for an individual entrepreneur – a fine of from fifty to one hundred basic units with confiscation of the subject of the administrative offense, as well as tools and means of committing the specified violation or without confiscation of such tools and means, and for a legal entity – from one hundred to five hundred basic units with confiscation of the subject of the administrative offense, as well as tools and means of committing the specified violation or without confiscation of such tools and means. When speaking aboutcriminal liabilityfor the distribution of extremist materials, it is necessary to detail the provisions of Chapter 32 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Belarus "Crimes Against the State". These are articles 361 with all the corresponding symbols: from 1 to 5. In particular:
Article 361. Calls for actions aimed at harming the national security of the Republic of Belarus1. Public calls for the seizure of state power, or violent change of the constitutional order of the Republic of Belarus, or treason to the state, or commission of an act of terrorism or sabotage, or commission of actions aimed at violating the territorial integrity of the Republic of Belarus, or commission of other actions aimed at harming the national security of the Republic of Belarus, or distribution of materials containing such calls –
are punishable by arrest or imprisonment for up to five years. 2. Calls addressed to a foreign state, foreign or international organization to commit actions aimed at harming the national security of the Republic of Belarus, or distribution of materials containing such calls, in the absence of signs of a more serious crime –
are punishable by arrest or imprisonment for up to five years. 3. Actions provided for by parts 1 or 2 of this article, committed using mass media or the global computer network Internet, or by an official using their official powers –
are punishable by imprisonment for a term of two to seven years.It will also be appropriate to consider Article 423-1: "Non-fulfillment of a decision to recognize an organization, the activities of an individual entrepreneur as extremist, to terminate the activities of a representative office of a foreign or international organization and (or) suspend their activities"Non-fulfillment by an official of an organization, a representative office of a foreign or international organization located in the Republic of Belarus, an individual entrepreneur of a court decision that has entered into legal force to recognize an organization as extremist, prohibit its activities, liquidate it and prohibit the use of its symbols and attributes, to terminate the activities of a representative office of a foreign or international organization located in the Republic of Belarus, to recognize this foreign or international organization registered outside the Republic of Belarus as extremist, to prohibit its activities in the Republic of Belarus, to prohibit the use of its symbols and attributes, to recognize the activities of an individual entrepreneur as extremist and to terminate them, to prohibit the use of his symbols and attributes, as well as non-fulfillment by an official of an organization, a representative office of a foreign or international organization located in the Republic of Belarus, an individual entrepreneur of a decision to suspend the activities of an organization, a representative office of a foreign or international organization located in the Republic of Belarus, an individual entrepreneur, issued in cases provided for by legislation on counteracting extremism –
are punishable by a fine, or deprivation of the right to hold certain positions or engage in certain activities, or arrest, or restriction of freedom for up to three years, or imprisonment for the same term with deprivation of the right to hold certain positions or engage in certain activities. For civilian personnel, it will be appropriate to know that among the grounds for termination of an employment contract at the initiative of the employer in accordance withparagraph 7 of Article 42 of the Labor Code of the Republic of Belarus, it is determined: absence from work due to serving an administrative penalty in the form of administrative arrest, which prevents the performance of labor duties. Security is one of the fundamental needs of humanity, the primary condition for human existence, the guarantee of his free spiritual, moral and physical development. However, social security of a person, its neglect is costly for both the state and society, leads to dangerous phenomena, destabilizes the situation, disrupts the normal life of citizens, the work of state bodies, organizations, enterprises, catches the state and law enforcement agencies off guard, thereby undermining the foundations of society and the country's reputation. The media space has become an integral part of our lives. The Internet is the main component of the media space. In this regard, it is necessary to be guided by the specifics of using the national segment of the Internet. This is determined byPresidential Decree of the Republic of Belarus No. 350 of September 18, 2019.

Every individual must understand that their actions in the media space must not violate the law and they (these actions) are transparent to the relevant structures. And "the collection, processing, storage, transfer, use of personal data of an individual are carried out without his consent in compliance with the requirements of legislation on information, informatization and information protection" in accordance with clause 1.2. of the aforementioned Decree.
Republican list of extremist materials
LAW OF THE REPUBLIC OF BELARUS of January 4, 2007 No. 203-Z "On Counteracting Extremism"
LIABILITY FOR DISTRIBUTION OF EXTREMIST MATERIALS
Pathological gambling disorder (gambling addiction)
Everyone has their own idea of gambling, but not everyone understands how detrimental an addiction to this type of entertainment can be.
Gambling addiction (gambling, ludomania) is a pathological propensity for gambling, with frequent episodes of participation in it, which becomes the main dominant in such a person's life and leads to the devaluation of former values for the subject (family, professional, social, material). Ludomania is included in the World Health Organization's International Classification of Diseases. In terms of severity, ludomania is equated to drug and alcohol addiction.
Individuals with gambling addiction lose touch with reality. The urge to gamble prevents them from performing daily tasks. All thoughts, aspirations, and intentions of a "gambler" are directly related to computer or gambling games. A person loses interest in the surrounding world, loved ones, professional activities, and studies. They forget their obligations to their loved ones, directing all their efforts to finding themselves in the gaming world. The consequences of such a pathological addiction are usually dire for both the player and their loved ones. The more frequently a person engages in gambling, the higher the probability that they will become a pathological gambler. A harmless hobby can escalate into a serious psychological problem.
Why do people start gambling?
Some people start gambling out of curiosity, or to fit in;
The prospect of easy money;
Dissatisfaction with life, lack of personal and professional fulfilment;
Feelings of loneliness, lack of social interaction;
Excitement, the desire to test one's luck;
Intra-family conflicts;
Psychological immaturity in adolescents and children;
The desire to appear significant in the eyes of others.
According to information published on the official websites of healthcare institutions Minsk City Clinical Centre of Dermatovenereology (internet link kvd.by) and City Polyclinic No. 6 of Grodno (internet link gp6.by):
1) Gambling addiction leads to: a decline in mood, deterioration of general well-being, and reduced social activity; increased anxiety and poor social adaptation are observed. As gambling addiction develops in adults, self-dissatisfaction forms, the meaning of life is lost, and deep depression sets in. Addicted individuals do not attempt to manage their budget and sometimes lose movable and immovable property because they cannot repay borrowed funds;
2) The following stages of gambling addiction are identified:
No addiction. At the very beginning of gambling addiction development, a person is engrossed in the game but can still give it up and find another activity in their free time.

Moderate addiction. It becomes more difficult to give up the game. The gamer has already earned many points, has in-game currency, or bonuses.

Severe addiction. The person is engrossed in the game, cannot give it up, dedicates all their free time to it, and spends real money. In conversations with friends, they have only one topic – their favourite game, and they promote this game among those around them. Even at this stage, it is difficult for an adult to admit their gambling addiction to themselves and others;

3) To reduce and/or completely eliminate factors contributing to the provocation of gambling addiction, gambling addiction prevention must be carried out:

Reduce stress; do not accumulate or ignore existing problems at home or at work;

Avoid harmful habits as much as possible;

Adhere to a healthy lifestyle, incorporating elements of sports and creative hobbies;

Seek medical attention promptly if nervous states or depression appear;

Prevent problems associated with gambling addiction.

An important element of gambling addiction prevention is also limiting participation in gambling.
In the Republic of Belarus, a mechanism for self-restriction of players from visiting gambling establishments and participating in gambling has been introduced, as well as restrictions on visiting gambling establishments and participating in gambling by court decision.
The restriction mechanism can be implemented in the following ways:

an individual may voluntarily restrict themselves from visiting gambling establishments, virtual gambling establishments, and participating in gambling games for a period of six months to three years by submitting a written application to a gambling organizer.

The submission of an application to restrict an individual from visiting gambling establishments, virtual gambling establishments, and participating in gambling games to any gambling organizer shall be considered as an application submitted to all gambling organizers within the territory of the Republic of Belarus;

an individual may be restricted from visiting gambling establishments, virtual gambling establishments, and participating in gambling games for a period of six months to three years by court decision, i.e., through judicial proceedings, if the individual, as a result of participating in gambling games, places themselves and/or their family in a difficult financial situation. A case concerning the restriction of an individual from visiting gambling establishments, virtual gambling establishments, and participating in gambling games shall be considered by the court in the manner established by civil procedural legislation for the consideration of special proceedings cases, based on an application. The application to the court shall have
the right to file shall be held by parents, children, adoptive parents, adopted children, siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, guardians, custodians, the spouse of an individual, as well as other persons residing with them and maintaining a common household, the prosecutor, and guardianship and trusteeship authorities. The application must state facts confirming that the citizen, by participating in gambling, is placing themselves and their family in a difficult financial situation.
Information about persons restricted from visiting gambling establishments, virtual gambling establishments, and participating in gambling is entered into a specially created list of individuals restricted from visiting gambling establishments, virtual gambling establishments, and participating in gambling. Gambling organizers are prohibited from admitting individuals whose information is included in this list to gambling establishments.
On the website of the Ministry of Taxes and Levies, in the "Gambling Business" section, under the "Information
for Individuals" tab, there is an internet link that allows you to
go to the website of the State Institution "Republican Scientific and Practical Centre for Mental Health" and take an anonymous
test to identify gambling addiction
https://mentalhealth.by/test-na-opredelenie-urovnja-zavisimosti-ot-azartnyh-igr/
List of state healthcare organisations of the Republic of Belarus providing specialised narcological assistance to persons suffering from pathological gambling addiction
https://nalog.gov.by/upload/iblock/295/p48tje7nzmfdrdjoje1xio14irgkllic/%D0%A1%D0%BF%D0%B8%D1%81%D0%BE%D0%BA.DOCX
List of healthcare organizations of Vitebsk region providing psychological counseling to the population (by phone)