Srinagar: The Directorate of Fire & Emergency Services, J&K, has issued a winter safety advisory urging the public to remain vigilant and adopt precautionary measures to prevent fire incidents during the dry weather.
“The advisory lists several precautions, including ensuring all heating appliances, stoves, and LPG cooking gas stoves are properly switched off before sleeping or leaving the house. Residents are advised to handle Kangris with care, particularly at night, to avoid accidental fires,” reads.
The department has also cautioned against storing combustible materials, such as dry grass and wood, in residential spaces. Instead, such items should be stored away from homes in isolated areas.
To prevent electrical fires, the public is advised to avoid using faulty appliances or sub-standard electrical gadgets. High-wattage room heaters and defective electrical blankets are specifically flagged as potential fire hazards. Residents are encouraged to use good-quality fuses, miniature circuit breakers (MCB), and earth leakage circuit breakers.
Other safety recommendations include keeping wires away from hot and wet surfaces, ensuring proper ventilation while using LPG heaters, and maintaining clear escape routes and water access points in residential and market areas.
The advisory also highlights the dangers of carelessly discarding live cigarette butts and urges people to stay in the kitchen while cooking or turn off stoves when stepping away, even briefly.
In case of a fire emergency, the public can contact Fire & Emergency Services at toll-free number 101 or the control rooms in Srinagar (0194-2452155/2452222) and Jammu (0191-2457705/2435283). This advisory aims to mitigate fire risks and ensure public safety during the winter season.