People are being urged to step up safety precautions after figures revealed that Civil Defence teams have responded to more than 300 gas‑related fires since 2024.
In light of the rising incidents, Hidd Police Station head Colonel Dr Osama Bahar has called on the public to take simple but critical measures – such as storing gas cylinders in open, shaded areas and regularly maintaining exhaust fans – to prevent dangerous gas build‑ups inside homes.
Speaking on the Interior Ministry’s Al Aman social media programme, he stressed that gas‑leak hazards must be treated with utmost seriousness to prevent devastating losses – from destroyed homes to potential fatalities.
“Between 2024 and 2025, more than 300 fires and 21 explosions occurred in houses across the kingdom due to gas leaks,” said Col Dr Bahar.
“Buildings collapsed, homes were reduced to ashes and families were left without shelter, all because of a single cause: gas leaks.
“That is why it is essential for every member of the household to understand the dangers and know the preventive steps needed to keep their home safe.”
It is crucial for people to recognise the early signs of a gas leak, which can include the smell of rotten eggs, hissing noises near gas lines, air bubbles rising in standing water, plants that suddenly die or wither, and an unexplained increase in gas consumption.
Common physical symptoms of exposure may also signal a leak. These can range from headaches, dizziness, fatigue and nausea to irregular breathing, chest pain, blurred vision, loss of consciousness and even suffocation in severe cases.
Col Dr Bahar outlined a series of precautions that citizens and residents should follow to keep their homes safe – starting with one of the most critical steps: ensuring that gas cylinders are never stored inside the kitchen, where the chances of a spark or fire are highest.
“The cylinder must be kept in an open, shaded area, far from the kitchen and away from any electrical appliances or sources of electric current, as even a single spark can trigger an explosion,” he explained.
He stressed that proper ventilation is equally vital, noting that exhaust fans play a key role in preventing gas build‑up.
“Ventilation is extremely important, and the exhaust fan helps reduce the risk of gas accumulation. That’s why maintaining the exhaust fan should be a priority,” he added.
Col Dr Bahar also urged regular inspection of cylinder connections and storage areas to guard against the effects of heat and humidity, which can weaken fittings and increase leak risks.
In the event of a gas leak, the official stressed that the most important thing is to stay calm and immediately reduce any chance of a spark. He warned that smoking must be avoided under all circumstances.
“If you smell gas, whether in the kitchen or anywhere else, it is absolutely crucial that you do not switch on the lights, as even a small spark can ignite an explosion,” he said.
“The spark from a light switch is particularly dangerous.
“Similarly, never use a lighter or matchstick in an area where you detect gas. It is incredibly risky, and your priority should always be the safety of your home and family.”
If a gas leak is detected, residents should evacuate the premises as quickly as possible and move to a safe location. While exiting, all doors and windows should be opened to allow the gas to disperse naturally outdoors, reducing the concentration inside the house. When you and your family are at a safe distance, contact the Emergency Call Centre by dialing 999 and follow their instructions.
nader@gdnmedia.bh
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