Abu Dhabi warns community on fire hazards during winter

Abu Dhabi authorities have warned UAE residents to take precautions when using charcoal and heaters during the winter time to avoid risks of suffocation and fire outbreaks.

The advisory is part of the "Our Winter is Safe and Enjoyable" campaign, which highlights the need to follow the safety guidelines during the season. 

Abu Dhabi Police and Civil Defence authorities urged residents to not light fires using firewood or charcoal inside the house or rooms without taking safety measures, stressing the need on being careful when using wood-burning heaters.

They also encouraged users to avoid sleeping next to heaters at night due to potential threats of suffocation and fires.  

Authorities also advised to open heating appliances outside the room or ensure proper ventilation that allows the smoke to rise upwards, emphasising that the heaters should not be left burning when leaving the location or going to sleep. 

Heating appliances cannot be used for heating, drying, or lighting incest, nor placed near water or a humid area or any flammable materials. 

The public was also asked to assess and ensure the durability of the wires that connect the heater to the electrical outlet, and avoid placing wires under carpets due to its inflammable risks. 

Parents must also make sure that children avoid playing near the heater to prevent them from touching it and injuring themselves.