The Ministry of Emergency Situations has addressed the population of the Republic.
"Naturally, as the temperature drops and days become colder, the need to use heating devices powered by electricity, gas, or other fuels increases. Carelessness in their use or operating faulty, non-standard heating devices can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, explosive combustions of gas-air mixtures, and fires.
To avoid such situations, it is necessary to properly maintain and prepare heating devices powered by gas, electricity, and other fuels in residential areas and socio-economic sector objects before the start of the season. Otherwise, various undesirable incidents related to heating devices might occur.
In light of the necessity to prevent emergencies during the season in our country, we ask you to adhere to the following to prevent possible fires, gas and air mixture explosions, and carbon monoxide poisonings during the winter season:
🔹 do not use electrical wires and cables with damaged outer insulation;
🔹 use certified protection devices (circuit breakers) to prevent fires that may result from overloading and short circuits in electrical systems;
🔹 before the heating season starts, check the condition of heating stoves and their chimneys for blockages with various materials and pay special attention to the draught of air through the chimney;
🔹 contact specialized organizations for the cleaning and maintenance of heating stove chimneys and ensure their services are performed to the necessary standards;
🔹 avoid using faulty, homemade heating devices; use standard-compliant heating devices and follow the manufacturer’s instructions;
🔹 do not overheat the heating stoves;
🔹 do not entrust children with the control of gas and electric heating devices;
🔹 engage gas supply companies’ specialists to inspect and service gas equipment;
🔹 comply with the regulations for connecting gas equipment;
🔹 do not dry combustible materials on top of gas stoves;
🔹 use gas heating devices equipped with safety automation (a device controlling gas supply cut-off and resumption) and ensure their constant maintenance.
If you smell gas in the room, do not use lighting devices or anything that produces sparks, immediately ventilate the room. In this case, contact the gas service using the “104” number, or if there is a fire, notify the fire/rescue service using the “101” or “1050” phone numbers.
By adhering to these rules, you will protect yourself, your loved ones, and your home from various accidents and fires," the message states.
