WITH temperatures in Bahrain soaring, increasing the risk of fires, the Civil Defence has been carrying out a campaign to spread awareness about fire safety.
The drive included visiting buildings and inspecting workshops across the kingdom’s four governorates, to educate tenants and workers about the health and safety standards, said a statement yesterday.
“Inspectors made sure that premises were fitted with the required safety equipment,” it added.
“People were reminded to avoid storing flammable materials in warm places, to ensure that electrical connections are wired correctly, and to provide emergency exits.”
Workers were also instructed on the proper use of fire extinguishers.
Meanwhile, the Transportation and Telecommunications Ministry’s meteorological directorate has forecast a maximum temperature of 42C today with the humid and hazy weather becoming hot during the day.
Latest statistics by the Interior Ministry indicate that in April police patrols dealt with 57 per cent of response cases that included fire incidents, first aid and community service.
The latest campaign comes amidst a recent spate of fires in buildings resulting in considerable loss to life and property all over the country.
This includes electrical fires and fires caused by negligence or poorly-maintained buildings.
Earlier this month, a 25-year-old Indian man died in a blaze at a labour accommodation in Bani Jamra, after suffering fatal burn injuries.
Separate summer warnings were issued last month by the General Directorate of Traffic urging motorists not to leave inflammable materials inside the vehicle.
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.
Every summer the GDN reports on a spate of fires in Bahrain sparked by electrical short circuits.
Electrical wirings in every accommodation should be constantly checked while also ensuring that appliances and electrical devices are not overloaded.
Faulty outlets and appliances are some of the main concerns as they spark fires in homes.
Sub-standard extension wires also posed a risk, especially if overloaded with multiple devices such as heaters, ovens and other appliances.
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