The long May holidays are approaching.
The long May holidays are approaching. Traditionally, during this period, many people go to their garden plots, go on nature trips, and participate in mass events. Rescuers, year after year, note an increase in fires and other emergencies during holidays and weekends. To ensure these days pass without incident and are not overshadowed by unpleasant consequences, the Ministry of Emergency Situations recommends adhering to certain rules and fire safety requirements in everyday life, in nature, and during mass events.
The main causes of fires in country houses, horticultural associations, and cooperatives are careless handling of fire, improper operation and installation of electrical equipment, stove heating, and burning dry vegetation or rubbish.
Gardeners need to remember that, first and foremost, upon returning to their country houses after winter, they must check the operability of stoves and chimneys, repair them, seal cracks, clean them of soot, and also whitewash all chimneys and walls in the attics through which smoke channels pass. A metal hearth sheet measuring at least 50 by 70 cm must be nailed to the wooden floor in front of the stove.
When engaged in household chores, do not leave stoves unattended while they are heating, and do not entrust this to children; do not use flammable and combustible liquids to light stoves. To avoid overheating the stove, it should be heated for no more than two hours, and stove heating should cease at least 2 hours before bedtime.
Ash, slag, and coal raked from the stoves should be removed to specially designated areas located no closer than 15 meters from combustible structures.
After winter, it is also essential to check the condition of the electrical wiring in the country house, do not allow the use of dilapidated electrical wiring or wiring with mechanical damage. It is forbidden to overload the network by simultaneously switching on several electrical appliances. Due to overload, insulation quickly deteriorates, leading to short circuits and, subsequently, fires.
All electrical networks must be equipped with protective devices against short circuits, overloads, and other abnormal operating conditions that could lead to a fire. Under no circumstances should non-factory (homemade) protective devices, so-called "jumpers," be used in electricity meters instead of automatic fuses.
Ensure not only the proper functioning of electrical wiring and electrical appliances but also the integrity and condition of sockets, plugs, and electrical cords. Do not leave electrical appliances switched on unattended. When closing dachas and garden houses for extended periods, the electrical network must be de-energized, and gas cylinder valves must be tightly closed.
Every spring, rescuers face a large number of fires caused by the burning of dry vegetation and rubbish. The problem is that many people, while tidying up their own yards and garden plots, do not consider the potential consequences of such actions. Fire in a household plot or simply near buildings can easily cause ignition and damage, or even completely destroy structures or nearby parked vehicles. Raging flames are difficult to control, and not only property can be affected, but also the person setting the fire or citizens who happen to be at the scene of the fire. Ministry of Emergency Situations employees are aware of cases not only where fire spread to buildings before the eyes of the perpetrators but also where people died due to such burnings.
Burning waste on your property is permissible, but it is essential to adhere to basic safety regulations to prevent a simple clean-up from turning into a tragedy. This should only be done in calm weather, under constant supervision, with the mandatory presence of primary fire extinguishing equipment, and at a safe distance – 10 m from buildings and structures, 20 m from forest areas, and 30 m from hay or straw storage sites. After burning waste and refuse in designated areas, the burning materials must be extinguished until smouldering has completely ceased. Under no circumstances should flammable liquids be used when burning waste, nor should unattended bonfires be left. Do not allow children to play with fire or start bonfires unsupervised by adults.
To prevent fires involving dry vegetation, regularly clear your garden plots of dry grass, leaves, and debris. Do not start bonfires near garden sheds or private residential properties, and do not discard unextinguished cigarettes and matches into dry grass.
Barbecuing is a traditional and beloved pastime for many dacha owners. As it is done close to home, people often do not consider the consequences, especially if the house is made of wood. Wind-blown sparks can travel a considerable distance, leading to smouldering which can last from 30 to 40 minutes. During this time, barbecue enthusiasts are often celebrating and may discover a fire too late. Remember that when placing special equipment such as braziers, barbecues or grills, a distance of at least 4 metres from buildings (structures) must be observed. After cooking, any burning materials must be extinguished until smouldering has completely ceased.
While attending to household chores, do not forget that children should not be left unsupervised. Left to their own devices, trying to occupy their free time, they invent various, sometimes risky, games. You must know where your children are and who they are playing with. Of course, you cannot lock a child indoors, and it is impossible to foresee all situations or give advice for every eventuality. However, teaching a child to be cautious is possible and necessary. And no one can do it better than parents.
When at your dacha or relaxing outdoors, do not let children near the brazier while barbecuing, as this can lead to serious burns. All containers with liquids located on the dacha territory or private plot must be securely closed. Keep heavy and sharp tools (rakes, shovels, ladders) away from children.
Explain to your child what dangers may await them at home, outdoors, or when relaxing in nature. Children should know what actions can lead to emergencies, how to prevent fires and what to do in case of their occurrence, and what rules to follow when near or on bodies of water. Always keep young children under supervision.
Many townspeople traditionally gather in nature during the holidays, as there is nothing more pleasant than relaxing under the warm sun after a long winter. To ensure that your carelessness does not cause a forest fire, the Ministry of Emergency Situations urges you to be extremely cautious and observe basic fire safety rules when visiting forests.
Never set dry grass on fire in a forest. If you see others doing so, try to stop them and explain the dangers of grass fires. Do not throw unextinguished matches or cigarettes, and do not leave bottles or shards of glass behind. It is best to refrain from smoking when visiting a forest.
Campfires should be lit in designated areas, or if no such area is available, it can be prepared independently on old fire pits and in clearings. In doing so, it is necessary to clear everything that can burn and could cause the spread of fire within a strip of at least 0.5 meters around the campfire. It is desirable to have water near the campfire, as well as branches to smother the flames in case of fire spread. Never leave a campfire unattended, and when leaving the forest, make sure it is completely extinguished, and the embers and ashes are doused with water or covered with a layer of sand. Do not leave the campfire site until you are sure that it will not start smoking again in 15-20 minutes.
Remember that for violating fire safety requirements in forests or peatlands, which results in their destruction or damage, administrative liability is provided in the form of a fine ranging from 25 to 50 basic units.
If a fire is detected in or near a forest, you must prevent the fire from gaining strength. If the fire is small, you should try to extinguish it yourself. If you cannot extinguish the fire on your own, you must report the fire to the Ministry of Emergency Situations, forestry service, or local authorities.
In order to prevent emergencies during festive events dedicated to Labour Day and Victory Day, remember that participation in any mass event is associated with increased danger. To avoid possible trouble, you need to know the basic rules of conduct in places with large crowds of people.
During participation in mass events, please observe and maintain public order, and refrain from actions that could lead to extreme situations posing a danger to others. Behave respectfully towards other citizens, event staff, officials responsible for maintaining public order and safety during mass events. Comply with the lawful requirements of persons responsible for maintaining order and fire safety during festive events. Do not leave minor children unattended. Park your vehicles in designated areas. If you receive information about an evacuation, act according to the instructions of Ministry of Emergency Situations (MES) personnel, law enforcement officers, facility administrations, or those responsible for ensuring order. Remain calm and do not cause panic. In case of an emergency, immediately call the MES service at "101" or "112".
Another important issue that we would like to address and draw special attention to is the following. Festive and weekend days are often accompanied by feasts, consumption of alcoholic beverages, and smoking. As is well known, alcohol combined with cigarettes frequently leads to tragic consequences, and carelessness while smoking under the influence of alcohol is the main cause of fires and fatalities. In most cases, those who enjoy smoking in bed endanger not only their own safety but also the lives and health of their relatives, loved ones, and neighbours. The MES reminds you that any carelessness with an unextinguished cigarette can lead to a fire! Adherence to fire safety regulations is a guarantee of the safety of your lives and property!