The need to carry out regular pre-summer electrical checks by licensed professionals to reduce the risk of fires and electrocutions has been outlined by a top official.
Hidd Police Station head Colonel Dr Osama Bahar has urged homeowners to call in certified electricians at regular intervals.
Speaking on the Interior Ministry’s Al Aman social media programme, Col Dr Bahar said: “Electricity is a powerful tool that makes your life easier.
“It cools us down in the summer and keeps us warm in the winter. However, it can also be deadly if neglected.
“As a parent especially, you must have your home inspected by a certified electrician periodically. They will check, troubleshoot and fix faults, repair dangerous or worn connections, and replace faulty wiring. Remember, your role is to protect those in your home.”
When choosing contractors, it is recommended by the authorities to ensure that they are selected from the Electricity and Water Authority (EWA) Approved Contractors List.
This ensures safe, high-quality workmanship and reliable service that fully complies with all regulations. The groups and individuals are carefully vetted to meet EWA standards.
Col Dr Bahar advised people to watch out for certain signs of faulty connections and wiring, and to immediately call a professional to prevent any tragic outcome.
“Call for repairs immediately if you feel like the plugs you are using are getting unusually hot,” he said. “When you switch on a light or a device, check for any sounds or noises that may indicate a malfunction.
“If you see sparks or flashes when you switch on plugs, it may indicate a serious electrical issue, such as a short circuit or loose, worn-out wiring.
“If you see discolouration in the wires, for example, or smell something burning, especially those connecting to a water heater, waste no time in calling a professional to assess the situation.”
Finally, Col Dr Bahar also urged parents to ensure that they do not ‘skimp out’ when it comes to their children’s electronic devices.
“There is no harm in charging your child’s device while they are using it, contrary to popular belief, but the real danger comes from using a counterfeit charger, or an old one with worn-out or cut wires,” he said. “Additionally, do not charge the device while it is next to or under a flammable substance such as under a pillow.
“Also keep the device away from anything else that could overheat, as that is another serious fire hazard.
“Purchase a quality device and charger and keep your children and family safe.”
Last year, the GDN reported multiple instances of fire breaking out throughout the kingdom due to short circuits and faulty electric connections.
In September, a fire broke out in a flat in Demistan due to a short circuit leaving a mother and her two children suffering from smoke inhalation.
About a month later, Civil Defence officers tackled a blaze at a residential building in the Bukuwara area in Riffa, also presumed to have been caused by faulty electrical connections. One resident suffered minor injuries in the incident.
- The complete list of certified electricians in the kingdom can be found on the EWA website at ewa.bh/en/license-electricity-electricians-approved.
nader@gdnmedia.bh