Winter: J&K Fire and Emergency services issues safety advisory

Srinagar : The Directorate of Fire and Emergency Services J&K, has issued a comprehensive winter safety advisory, urging the general public to take necessary precautions to prevent fire incidents amid the ongoing dry weather conditions.

The advisory, a copy of which lies with the news agency reads the advisory stressed ensuring all heating appliances, stoves, and LPG cooking gas stoves are switched off before sleeping or leaving the house. Residents are cautioned to handle Kangris with care, especially at night, to avoid accidental fires.

It reads as, citizens have been advised to refrain from storing combustible materials, such as dry grass and wood, in residential areas. Instead, these should be kept in isolated places away from homes.

“Highlighting electrical fire hazards, the department has warned against using faulty or sub-standard appliances, high-wattage room heaters, and defective electrical blankets. People are encouraged to install good-quality fuses, miniature circuit breakers (MCB), and earth leakage circuit breakers to prevent short circuits,” the advisory reads.

It also reads as, other key recommendations include: keeping electric wires away from hot and wet surfaces. Ensuring proper ventilation while using LPG heaters. Staying in the kitchen while cooking and turning off stoves if stepping away. Maintaining clear escape routes and water access points in homes and market areas.

Notably, the advisory also stresses the dangers of discarding live cigarette butts carelessly. In case of a fire emergency, the public is urged to contact Fire & Emergency Services at toll-free number 101 or the control rooms in Srinagar (0194-2452155/2452222) and Jammu (0191-2457705/2435283).—(KNO)