Outdoor recreation: rescuers remind about important fire safety rules

The weekend is approaching. Traditionally, during this period, many people go to their summer cottages, go out to relax in nature, and participate in mass events. Rescuers, year after year, note an increase in the number of fires and other emergencies during holidays and weekends. To ensure that 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 summer cottages, gardening associations, and cooperatives are careless handling of fire, improper operation and installation of electrical equipment, stove heating, burning of dry vegetation, or burning of trash.

Dacha owners 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 where smoke channels pass. A metal hearth plate measuring at least 50 by 70 cm must be attached to the wooden floor in front of the stove.

While 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 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 dacha house, do not allow the use of dilapidated electrical wiring, as well as 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, to fires.

All electrical networks must be equipped with devices to protect 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 place of automatic fuses in electricity meters.

Ensure not only the proper functioning of electrical wiring and 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 have to deal with a large number of fires caused by the burning of dry vegetation and garbage. 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. It is difficult to stop a raging fire, 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. Employees of the Ministry of Emergency Situations are aware of cases not only when fire spread to buildings before the eyes of the perpetrators but also when people died due to such burnings.

Burning garbage on your property is certainly possible, but it is necessary to observe elementary safety rules so that simple yard cleaning does not turn into a tragedy. This should only be done in calm weather, under constant supervision, with the mandatory presence of primary fire extinguishing means, and at a safe distance – 10 m from buildings and structures, 20 m from forest areas, and 30 m from places where hay or straw is stored. After burning garbage and waste in designated areas, the burning materials must be extinguished until smoldering completely stops. Under no circumstances should flammable liquids be used when burning garbage, nor should unextinguished bonfires be left unattended. Do not allow children to play with fire or start bonfires without adult supervision.

To prevent dry vegetation fires, constantly clear your personal plots of dry grass, leaves, and debris, do not start fires near garden houses and private residential properties, and do not throw unextinguished cigarettes and matches into dry grass.

Grilling kebabs is a traditional and favorite activity for many summer residents, and since this is done right near the house, people simply do not think about the consequences or the fact that the house is made of wood. Sparks fanned by the wind can fly a long distance, followed by smoldering, which takes from 30 to 40 minutes. During this time, kebab enthusiasts are already celebrating and often discover the fire too late. Remember that when placing special devices – a brazier, barbecue, or grill – a safe distance must be observed. After finishing cooking, the burning materials must be extinguished until smoldering completely stops.

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 with something, they come up with various, sometimes risky games. You should know where your children are and who they are playing with. Of course, you cannot lock a child within four walls, and it is impossible to foresee all situations and give advice for all occasions. But you can and should teach a child to be cautious. And no one can do it better than parents.

When you are at the dacha or relaxing in nature, do not let children near the barbecue grill while cooking kebabs, as this can result in serious burns. All containers with liquid located on the territory of the dacha or private yard must be securely closed. Keep heavy and sharp tools (rakes, shovels, ladders) away from the child.

Explain to your child what dangers may await them at home, on the street, or while relaxing in nature. Children should know what actions can lead to emergency situations, how to prevent a fire and what to do in case of its occurrence, what rules to follow when being on or near bodies of water. Always keep young children under control.

Many city dwellers traditionally gather in nature on holidays, as there is nothing more pleasant than relaxing under the warm sun after a long winter. In order to prevent your carelessness from causing a forest fire, the Ministry of Emergency Situations urges you to be extremely careful and observe the basic fire safety rules when visiting forests.

Never set dry grass on fire in the forest. If you see others doing it, try to stop them and explain how dangerous grass fires are. 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 the 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 clearings. In doing so, it is necessary to clear everything flammable within a 0.5-meter radius around the campfire that could cause the fire to spread. It is advisable to have water nearby, as well as branches for smothering flames in case of fire spread. Never leave a campfire unattended, and when leaving the forest, ensure 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 it will not start smoking again in 15-20 minutes.

Remember that for violating fire safety regulations in forests or peatlands, resulting in their destruction or damage, administrative liability is provided in the form of a fine ranging from 25 to 50 base units.

If a fire is detected in or near a forest, do not let it gain strength. If the fire is small, try to extinguish it yourself. When you cannot extinguish the fire on your own, you must report the fire to the Ministry of Emergency Situations, forest protection service, or local authorities.

During participation in mass events, maintain and support public order, do not commit actions that could lead to extreme situations or endanger 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 vehicles in designated areas. Upon receiving information about an evacuation, act according to the instructions of EMERCOM employees, internal affairs officers, facility administrations, or those responsible for ensuring order; remain calm and do not create panic. In case of an emergency, immediately call the EMERCOM service at "101" or "112".

And another important issue that we would like to address and draw special attention to. Holidays and weekends are often accompanied by feasts, drinking alcohol, and smoking. As is known, alcohol combined with a cigarette often leads to tragic consequences, and carelessness while smoking while intoxicated is the main cause of fires and deaths in them. 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, and their neighbors. The EMERCOM reminds that any carelessness with an unextinguished cigarette can lead to a fire! Compliance with fire safety rules is a guarantee of the safety of your lives and property!

Inspector of the Fire Prevention and Elimination Department of the Miory District Emergency Situations Department O.M. Girzha