Outdoor recreation should be incident-free

Traditionally, with the onset of warm weather, many people go to their country houses, go to relax in nature, and participate in mass events. And rescuers year after year during holidays and weekends note an increase in the number of fires and other emergencies. In order for these days to pass without incident and not be 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, burning of dry vegetation, or burning of garbage.

After winter, it is also necessary to check the condition of the electrical wiring in the country house, do not allow the use of dilapidated electrical wiring, as well as those with mechanical damage. It is forbidden to overload the network by simultaneously switching on several electrical appliances. Due to overload, insulation quickly deteriorates, which leads to short circuits, and subsequently to fires.

Monitor not only the serviceability of electrical wiring but also electrical appliances, as well as the integrity and serviceability of sockets, plugs, and electrical cords. Do not leave electrical appliances switched on unattended. When closing country houses and garden houses for a long time, the electrical network must be de-energized, and the valves of gas cylinders 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, tidying up their own yards and garden plots, do not think about the consequences of such actions. Fire on a household plot or simply near buildings can easily cause a fire and damage, or even completely destroy buildings or nearby parked vehicles. It is difficult to stop a raging flame, and not only property can suffer, but also the arsonist themselves or citizens who happen to be at the scene of the fire. The Ministry of Emergency Situations has known cases not only when the fire spread to buildings before the eyes of the perpetrators, but also when people died due to fires.

Burning garbage on your plot is possible, of course, but it is necessary to observe elementary safety rules so that simple plot 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 from buildings and structures, forests, and 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. Do not allow children to play with fire or start bonfires without adult supervision.

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

Grilling is a traditional and favorite pastime for many dacha owners. Since it is done right near the house, people often do not think about the consequences and the fact that the house is made of wood. Wind-blown embers can travel a long distance, leading to smoldering, which takes 30 to 40 minutes. During this time, barbecue enthusiasts are often busy celebrating and discover the fire too late. Remember that when placing special equipment such as a brazier, barbecue, or grill, a distance of at least 4 meters from buildings (structures) must be maintained. After cooking, burning materials must be extinguished until smoldering completely stops.

While engaged in 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 careful. And no one can do this better than parents.

When at the dacha or relaxing in nature, do not let children near the brazier while grilling; this can 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, on the street, or while 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 water bodies. Always keep young children under control.

Many townspeople traditionally gather in nature on 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 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 the dangers of grass fires. Do not throw unextinguished matches or cigarettes, do not leave bottles or shards of glass behind. It is best to refrain from smoking when visiting the forest.

Fires should be lit in specially designated areas, and if there is no such place, it can be prepared independently on old fire pits and in clearings. In this case, it is necessary to clear everything that can burn and cause the spread of fire around the fire pit in a strip at least 0.5 meters wide. It is desirable to have water near the fire, as well as branches to beat down the flames in case of fire spread. Never leave a fire unattended, and when leaving the forest, make sure it is completely extinguished, the embers and ash are doused with water or covered with a layer of sand. Do not leave the fire pit until you are sure that it will not start smoking again in 15-20 minutes.

Remember that for violation of fire safety requirements in forests or peatlands, which led to their destruction or damage, administrative liability is provided in the form of a fine ranging from 25 to 50 basic units.

If you detect a fire in or near a forest, you must not let the fire gain strength. If the fire is small, you should 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, forestry service, or local authorities.