Doha

The Ministry of Interior (MoI) has issued an advisory on how to ensure safety at home, in the workplace, at souqs, on roads and in other public spaces during Ramadan.

“Important Tips for a Safe Ramadan”, which has been issued by the Public Relations Department of the MoI, addresses issues such as protection from fires in the kitchen and other parts of the home, traffic safety, crossing roads safely and what to do in an emergency.

To ensure safety in the kitchen, the advisory has asked people to avoid pouring water onto a pan in case the oil catches fire as it can aggravate the situation. In such cases, one must cover the burning pan with a thick lid or a fire blanket.

If a trash bin catches fire, it should be immediately covered with a damp cloth so as to prevent it from spreading by depriving it of oxygen.

People have been advised to ensure that a good fire extinguisher is available at home. They should not leave children in the kitchen or near hot and burning materials or electrical points. Besides, they should not wear flowing or mixed nylon dresses while working in the kitchen in order to ensure protection from fires.

If people smell gas inside the house, they should open all doors and windows immediately and never light a matchstick near a cylinder while trying to locate a leakage, if any. They should also avoid switching on exhaust fans and lights as these may serve as “ignition points” in case there is a gas leak.

There should be proper fire extinguishers at homes as well as workplaces and people should understand how they function. The advisory also stresses the need to check the safety and capacity of electrical cables, use safe LPG connectors in the kitchen, close the gas stove after use, not leave any pan or pot on the stove for a long time unattended, switch on exhaust fans in the kitchen and monitor children.

The advisory also highlights the need to follow safe traffic practices while on the road. Excessive speeding, especially just before Iftar, wrong parking in front of mosques, improper overtaking, parking in slots reserved for people with special needs and not slowing down in crowded and residential areas are the main traffic violations seen during Ramadan, it notes.

The advisory has urged motorists not to rush before Iftar. Instead, they should start early so that they have enough time to reach their destination safely. The period before Iftar is considered the most vulnerable when it comes to traffic accidents during the holy month, it is observed.

Children should not be allowed to play on internal roads in residential areas, especially at night, in order to protect them from traffic accidents. They should play only in designated areas.

Motorists have also been urged to avoid parking their vehicles in such a way that may obstruct traffic movement, especially during prayer timings – such as Taraweeh or night (Thahajjud) prayers - and Iftar gatherings.

People should also avoid last-minute shopping for Eid and finish the process early enough to avoid traffic jams and having to park in prohibited areas due to the rush.

Safety tips have also been offered for pedestrians. They should ensure that a road is completely free on both sides before crossing, especially during peak hours. Also, they should cross roads only through designated areas.

Meanwhile, the MoI advisory has asked people to report cases of begging to the anti-begging section on 2347444/33618627. Those in need can approach authorised charities for help.

Finally, the advisory has asked people to immediately call 999 during an emergency and act wisely and calmly.

Related Story