Budgam, Feb 12: To mitigate the risks associated with fire incidents, the Fire and Emergency Department Budgam Wednesday issued an advisory urging residents to adopt precautionary measures during the ongoing winter season.
Tawseef Hussain Mir, Assistant Director of the Fire and Emergency Service in Budgam district informed Rising Kashmir that the advisory outlines essential safety measures. It is imperative for the community to adhere to these guidelines to reduce the occurrence of fire incidents throughout the Budgam district.
The Assistant Director emphasized that all recommended fire prevention and protection measures must be strictly followed by various infrastructures during audits conducted by the department.
Residents are advised to avoid using faulty or substandard electrical appliances, high-wattage room heaters, and defective electric blankets, particularly in older buildings where the electrical wiring may be outdated or inadequate, as this can lead to short circuits and potential fire hazards.
It is essential to utilize ISI-certified appliances. Ensure the use of high-quality fuses with the correct ratings, miniature circuit breakers (MCBs), and earth leakage circuit breakers.
The advisor said in the event of a fire, the electric supply to affected areas should be turned off. Fuses and switches should be housed in metallic enclosures to enhance safety against fire. Broken plugs and switches should be replaced without delay and electrical wires must be kept away from hot and damp surfaces.
It also said appliances should be switched off after use, and plugs should be removed from sockets. The main switch should be turned off when leaving the premises for an extended period. Temporary or exposed joints in wiring should be avoided. Wires should not be placed under carpets, mats, or doormats, as they may become damaged and cause short circuits.
The use of multiple electric heating devices in a single room should be avoided to prevent overloading and short circuits, it added.
Further, it said LPG cylinders and stove knobs should be turned off when not in use, and proper ventilation must be ensured when using LPG heaters.
Live cigarette butts should not be discarded carelessly.
“It is advised not to store dry grass, charcoal, or firewood within residential premises. It is essential to avoid overloading circuits or using extension cords for appliances such as heaters and boilers,” it added.
The advisory also said that the simultaneous use of multiple appliances, including electric blankets and water bottles, should be avoided.
“Caution is necessary when utilizing wood and fuel in Hamams or traditional steam baths; it is important to monitor the temperature before adding additional fuel.
“When handling kangris, one must ensure they are managed with care to prevent them from tipping over and igniting furnishings, particularly those that are flammable, which could lead to small fires.”
It said when using candles, it is crucial to avoid placing them on wooden or other combustible surfaces.
Regular maintenance and proper ventilation of inverter batteries are important. Chimneys and vents should be inspected and cleaned regularly to mitigate the risk of chimney fires, it said.
The advisory said in case of any fire incident, immediately call Fire & Emergency services Numbers for FCR Budgam: 101, 01951-255222, 01951-256482, 9419656101.
Furthermore, the Department advised against the use of flammable construction materials, such as wood, unless appropriate fire safety measures are in place. The significance of incorporating fire protection designs during construction is emphasized to reduce potential damage in case of a fire.
“The Department remains vigilant and has established a Control Room and helpline numbers to respond to emergencies effectively. Residents living near forested areas are encouraged to exercise heightened caution, as dry weather conditions elevate the risk of forest fires,” the advisory said.
