The long May holidays are approaching. Traditionally, during this period, many people go to their garden plots, go to relax in nature, and participate in mass events.
The long May holidays are approaching. Traditionally, during this period, many people go to their garden plots, go to relax in nature, and participate in mass events. Every year, rescuers note an increase in the number of 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 participation in 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 of dry vegetation or rubbish.
Dacha owners should remember that, first and foremost, upon returning to their country houses after winter, it is necessary to check the operability of stoves and chimneys, repair them, seal cracks, and clean them of soot. It is also necessary to whitewash all chimneys and walls in the attic through which smoke ducts pass. A metal hearth mat of at least 50 by 70 cm must be nailed to the wooden floor in front of the stove.
When doing 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 be stopped at least 2 hours before bedtime.
Ash, slag, and coal raked from 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-made (homemade) protective devices, so-called "jumpers," be used in electricity meters instead of automatic fuses.
Ensure not only the proper functioning of electrical wiring but also of electrical appliances, as well as the integrity and good 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 have to deal with 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 on 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 stop, and not only property can suffer, but also the person setting the fire or citizens who happen to be at the scene of the fire. EMERCOM employees are aware of cases where fire spread to buildings before the eyes of the perpetrators, and also when people died due to such burnings.
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Barbecuing is a traditional and favourite pastime for many dacha owners. As it is done right next to the house, 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 the 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 in any way possible, they invent various, sometimes risky games. You should 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 could result in serious burns. All containers with liquids located on the dacha territory or private property 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 while relaxing in nature. Children should know which actions can lead to emergency situations, how to prevent fires and what to do in case of their occurrence, and what rules to observe when near or on bodies of water. Always keep young children under supervision.
Many city dwellers 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 advisable 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, with embers and ash 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, it is necessary to 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.
To prevent emergencies during festive events dedicated to Labour Day and Victory Day, please remember that participation in any mass event is associated with increased danger. To avoid possible trouble, it is necessary to know the basic rules of conduct in crowded places.
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 the event 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. Festive and weekend days are often accompanied by feasts, consumption of alcoholic beverages, and smoking. As is well known, alcohol combined with cigarettes often 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 like to smoke in bed endanger not only their own safety but also the lives and health of their relatives and loved ones, as well as their 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!