In East Kazakhstan, preventive raids have begun in homes with stove heating where socially vulnerable citizens live, ahead of the heating season. Rescuers check the condition of stoves, chimneys, and other equipment, remind residents of safety rules, and help eliminate identified violations, reports the website infohub.kz.
The region has 2,758 families from socially vulnerable categories living in stove-heated homes. Such dwellings are the focus of attention for specialists from the Emergency Situations Department (ESD) of East Kazakhstan region ahead of the cold season, the department's press service reported.
Preventive measures have already revealed about 75 violations of fire safety requirements. In 51 cases, problems were resolved on the spot after recommendations from ESD staff.
The main goal of the raids is to prepare residential buildings for the heating period in advance, reduce the likelihood of fires and carbon monoxide poisoning, and increase residents' knowledge of safe use of stoves and electrical appliances, the regional rescue service noted.
According to ESD specialists, the most common causes of fires remain violations of safety rules when using stove heating and electrical appliances, as well as careless handling of fire.
Rescuers pay special attention to preventing carbon monoxide poisoning. Over the past six years, more than 17,000 carbon monoxide detectors have been installed in homes of socially vulnerable citizens in the region. Thanks to these devices, 45 people, including 31 children, were saved, according to data from the 112 service of East Kazakhstan region.
In addition, repairs to stoves and electrical wiring were carried out in more than ten homes. Such measures allow eliminating potentially dangerous faults before the heating season begins.
Rescuers recommend that residents check the condition of all stove equipment in advance. Particular attention should be paid to the stove itself and the chimney. Any cracks found should be repaired promptly, and it is recommended to whitewash the chimney in the attic. This allows you to notice emerging faults faster and fix them.
When using stove heating, do not leave a burning stove unattended. Also, do not entrust control of a working stove to children.
For lighting solid fuel stoves, it is forbidden to use flammable and combustible liquids. The use of dampers and valves without the openings provided for by design standards also poses a danger.
Separate requirements apply to the removal of ash and slag. After raking from the firebox, materials that may contain hot or smoldering particles must be moved to a specially designated place that excludes the possibility of fire. They should also be doused with water.
Preventive raids will continue as part of preparing the housing stock for the heating season. The ESD of East Kazakhstan region urges residents not to postpone checking stoves, chimneys, and electrical wiring until the cold weather arrives.
In case of fire or smoke, immediately call 112.