PEOPLE have been warned against leaving inflammable materials in their vehicles as summer approaches.
These include hand sanitisers, perfumes, cigarette lighters, portable chargers, compressed packs and consumer batteries, among other things, that can explode under pressure inside locked cars.
“Be careful not to leave inflammable materials inside the vehicle during summer,” said a Traffic Directorate official.
Bahrain-based fire and health safety expert Rajesh Nambiar explained that the temperature inside locked cars rises as the temperature outside rises.
“All of these items, such as hand sanitisers, perfumes, cigarette lighters, portable chargers, and so on, have stored energy that is a deadly hazard; it cannot be detected normally,” he told the GDN.
“Anything with compressed air inside has a tendency to explode when inside a car parked in the sun during the summer.
“Stored energy poses a fatal risk, and explosions could result in multiple injuries or fatalities.
“Lately, most of us have all developed the habit of leaving a hand sanitiser in our car. Let us keep it inside our bags that we carry or on our desks/homes instead.”
The warehouse manager at APM Terminals also cautioned of other heat hazards in the season, which are often overlooked.
“We very often rush to our cars and grab a bottle of water to drink, as it is natural to be thirsty in summer. But, remember, drinking water from plastic bottles kept inside the car parked for a long time is dangerous, as it can turn poisonous.”
He also recommended that fuel tanks in cars should not be filled to the brim as gas released can build pressure in the tanks which can lead to sparks and explosions when the vehicle gets heated.
Khayber Fire and Security Systems fire systems sales manager Sathish Babu also warned people to be wary of these situations, underlining the high risk posed by stored energy during summer.
“Devices having stored energy exposed to a high temperature can lead to explosions causing injuries and death,” he said.
“Avoid keeping any such items which have stored energy in the cars during the summer season.
“Mobile phones should not be left in the car under the sun.”
Medicines and sun-screen lotions kept in the car in the hot weather could cause harm due to chemicals in the products. Power banks, cameras and mobile phones could also be damaged.
Several home fires have been reported during the summer season in Bahrain over the years.
Meanwhile, authorities have often underlined the chances of old structures being susceptible to fires, urging landlords and tenants to share the responsibility of ensuring that safety standards are not flouted.
“Make sure LPG cylinders are indoors or in a shaded and ventilated area, and not exposed to the sun,” noted Mr Babu.
“Make sure fire extinguishers in homes and/or buildings are properly maintained and are in good working condition.
“It is always ideal that you are aware of the fire escape routes in your building, and the fire assembly point nearest to your building, inform your family members as well, especially children and the elderly.
“Most important is not to panic, keep emergency numbers handy and take part in fire drills organised and held in your buildings.”
The GDN has so far this year reported seven separate fire incidents resulting in two fatalities.
On May 14, a fire broke out in the kitchen of a popular restaurant at a club in Janabiya; no injuries were reported.
Firemen extinguished a blaze that broke out in the balcony of an apartment in Budaiya on May 13. No injuries were reported.
On May 8, a man was killed and four others were injured in a massive fire that broke out in an air-conditioning repair workshop in Ras Zuwayed.
The Bangladesh national, Easin Kal, 37, was reportedly trapped and suffocated to death.
On April 8, a fuel leak in a private yacht led to an explosion leading to the death of Norma Haydee Femia, a 79-year-old Argentine woman.
On March 13, firemen rescued five children, aged four to 14, who were home alone in a flat in East Riffa when a fire broke out in the kitchen.
On February 7, a fire caused extensive damage to a house in Al Lawzi, however the seven-member family living there escaped unscathed.
The fire was caused by a portable power bank mobile charger exploding while charging due to thermal pressure.
On January 17, nine people were evacuated safely from a burning apartment in Gudaibiya.
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